General Questions

[Raiders180]

Hello,

According to my last test, I do not have HSV. Basically, I want to remain negative but also want to engage in sexual acts.

1. Are there any medications that I (as uninfected) can take to prevent getting HSV? I am asking this question assuming the HSV-positive partner is not taking any suppressive medications and is positive. For example, would acyclovir or the other medications work as preventative medications if ONLY the uninfected partner was taking them?

2. If “no” to Q1, is there anything I can do before “hooking up” to “strengthen my immune system” as to decrease chances that I would get the virus?

3. In male-male (gay) sex, I want to know which of the following acts pose a higher chance of contracting HSV than the others. I am looking for a sort of “least-chance-of-transmisson-formula” if one were to exist. Basically, if it would reduce the chances, then I would for example, just do anal sex and avoid kissing and oral; but if, the chances of transmission are, for instance, the same for anal AND oral sex, but say, higher for kissing, THEN I would do just anal and oral but avoid kissing. But if it’s all the same, then I might as well go “all out” (safely of course). These are the acts:
– Kissing
– Receptive Oral Sex (without condom)
– Insertive Oral Sex (without condom)
– Receptive Anal Sex (with condom)
– Insertive Anal Sex (with condom)
– Anilingus (receiving)
– Anilingus (giving)

I know these are a lot of questions, so no problem if you want to count this as my main Q and follow-ups.

Thanks,

[Terri Warren]

1. No, nothing would help prevent you from getting HSV that you would do for yourself.
2. Eating well, getting sleep, exercising
3. This question is way too complicated because I don’t know if a prospective partner would have oral infection or genital infection and which type they have. Sorry. You’ll have to refine it more.

Terri

[Raiders180]

Sorry about that. Basically, if I am having oral sex (insertive and penetrative without condom), would my chances of getting HSV be increased by adding Kissing, or would I already be at the same risk w/ or w/o kissing since I’m already doing oral.
Thanks

[Terri Warren]

So kissing is a risk for HSV 1. Giving someone oral sex is not a great risk for HSV 1 acquisition because HSV 1 genital infection is rarely shedding. The bigger risk from giving oral sex is acquiring HSV 2 from someone who is shedding virus, even without symptoms. But even that is not a big risk because HSV 2 doesn’t prefer the oral area and I’ve yet personally to see a case of someone acquiring HSV 2 on tohe mouth from giving oral sex. Does that help?

Terri

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