Dating HSV2+ positive woman. Quick questions.

[just_wondering]

Terri,

Thanks for all you do here! Just want some information, as I decided to continue dating her after disclosure. I’m a male, just in case that’s necessary. The woman I’m dating has had bad side effects to antivirals. As such, she doesn’t take them. Which makes me a little more nervous, but just nervous enough for more information. I’m stilling willing to take the risk, because she’s awesome.

1. I have HSV1 (I think. Cold sores. I never got the blood test). Does that at all protect me from HSV2? Even in a limited way? I heard HSV2 provides antibodies to HSV1. Does it work the other way around?

2. Between condoms, and just being careful to not have sex during prodromal / outbreak symptoms, what’s the risk factor? Is there a percentage you can give for female to male transmission rates? I heard it’s much harder to get HSV2 genitally via female to male, especially with condoms. True?

3. I’m on antivirals for my cold sores. Does that help protect me a little from transmission from her to me?

4. Because I have never been tested, there is a chance I have both strains anyways. Is it a good idea for me to get tested to see what exactly I have? Or just assume it’s still HSV1?

5. From what I heard, I’m probably more at risk having sex with someone who’s never been tested for HSV symptoms, though probably has the virus (because so many do nowadays) than someone who has them and are just careful. Any accuracy to that?

Thanks!

[Terri Warren]

1. I have HSV1 (I think. Cold sores. I never got the blood test). Does that at all protect me from HSV2? Even in a limited way? I heard HSV2 provides antibodies to HSV1. Does it work the other way around?
No. It doesn’t protect you against HSV 2 but if you do get HSV 2, you may not notice symptoms or the symptoms could be mild.

2. Between condoms, and just being careful to not have sex during prodromal / outbreak symptoms, what’s the risk factor? Is there a percentage you can give for female to male transmission rates? I heard it’s much harder to get HSV2 genitally via female to male, especially with condoms. True?

If you use condoms and have sex about twice a week on average, the transmission rate from female to male is about 2% per year

3. I’m on antivirals for my cold sores. Does that help protect me a little from transmission from her to me?
That is unknown.

4. Because I have never been tested, there is a chance I have both strains anyways. Is it a good idea for me to get tested to see what exactly I have? Or just assume it’s still HSV1?
I think that would be a good idea, yes

5. From what I heard, I’m probably more at risk having sex with someone who’s never been tested for HSV symptoms, though probably has the virus (because so many do nowadays) than someone who has them and are just careful. Any accuracy to that?
Well, that’s true if the woman was taking antiviral medication to reduce the risk of transmission and if she is very aware of prodromal symptoms and you avoiding sex during outbreaks as well.

Terri

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