Can Condoms Prevent Genital Herpes? Infected Partner

by Richard
(Charleston, SC USA)

I have both Type 1 and 2. Both are active. My Dr. says that because I have not had outbreaks on my penis/genital area it is OK to have protected sex when the virus is in-active. My recent girlfriend has not been infected, and her Dr.(GYN) says that she will get herpes, its only a matter of time. It has put this relationship on a very strong and definite hold. I am 72 and she is 68.

I have had outbreaks 3-7 x per year, and have a script for Valtrax. I would like to continue our relationship, as does she, if we can get past the infection issue. Physical intimacy is an important portion for us, even at our age.

What suggestions do you have to help us control and minimize her exposure, and reduce the fear.

Answer

I'm afraid your girlfriend's doctor is correct. Herpes can be caught by skin contact. Herpes sores can be anywhere - thighs, testicles, penis, vagina, finger tips etc. So, a condom might not protect her, particularly if the sores can not be covered easily.

Condoms are better than nothing, but not good enough. Condom use reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of contracting genital herpes,Condoms plus the infected partner on acyclovir is better, but there's still risk. Even having sex only when there are no lesions is risky, because the virus lurks even when the skin looks fine. So the only real way not to get it is to keep your clothes on. If you and your partner are serious about each other, though, you might just have to each accept the risk.

Research results showed that people who used condoms 100% of the time had a 30% lower risk of
contracting genital herpes.Latex condoms may be helpful in preventing the spread of genital herpes, but only when the infected area is covered or protected by the condom. If there is contact with an open sore, herpes can be transmitted to areas not protected by a condom. A person with herpes should not have sex when a herpes sore is present on the mouth, genitals, anus, or buttocks.

All sexually transmitted infections can be avoided by not having sex. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of getting most other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including
HIV, by having sex only in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner you are sure is not infected.