ghsv2 & ghsv1 transmission with condom

[normalperson123]

Hi Terri,

If a woman is ghsv2+ or ghsv1+, how does the virus transmission happen to the male if he is wearing a condom? I’m wondering in the case of both symptomatic and asymptomatic times for the woman. If the man has no cuts/opening around his uncovered genital area, can it just pass through the skin to enter the body? Curious about the route of the virus to infect the male. Assuming no oral sex and just regular protected sex with a condom (with care taken to keep the condom on at all times).

Additionally, what are the likelihood of transmission of asymptomatic ghsv2 in a man to ohsv2 in a woman? Would this be a rare case?

Happy to provide more clarification if needed.

Thank you.

[Terri Warren]

Condoms reduce transmission of HSV 2 from females to males by about 65%. Vaginal secretions can travel to parts of the penis that are not covered by a condom, like the base of the penis. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen new herpes at the base of the penis in men who used a condom. It’s several, but certainly, the condom is reducing some infections from females to males with that percentage of transmission
HSV 2 is rarely an oral infection because HSV 2 has a strong site preference for the genital area vs. the mouth.

Terri

[normalperson123]

Thanks Terri, this is helpful. Two follow-ups:

1. Are you aware of any product in the market (like a condom but which effectively covers more areas) that covers the penis and surrounding susceptible areas to protect men from acquiring or transmitting ghsv1 or ghsv2 from and to their partners? I read about something called a Scroguard by I don’t think they make it anymore. Any that you recommend?

2. If someone has ohsv1, can they get ghsv1 or is the body immune to it?

[normalperson123]

Hi Terri,

Any thoughts for the above two questions?

Thank you

[Terri Warren]

1. Are you aware of any product in the market (like a condom but which effectively covers more areas) that covers the penis and surrounding susceptible areas to protect men from acquiring or transmitting ghsv1 or ghsv2 from and to their partners? I read about something called a Scroguard by I don’t think they make it anymore. Any that you recommend?

The female condom is probably the closest other thing that I know about that covers more territory

2. If someone has ohsv1, can they get ghsv1 or is the body immune to it?
Once you have HSV 1 in one location, it is extremely uncommon to get it in a new location

Terri

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