HSV2 Shedding/Transmission Increase with two HSV2+ Partners

[HSVQuestions]

If two people are sleeping together unprotected, (Male and Female), and are both genitally HSV2 positive. Would that increase the shedding/transmission rate, of either the HSV2+ male or female, if either party slept with a HSV negative third party during the same time period? Obviously, full disclosure to all parties of course.

[Terri Warren]

If both people have HSV 2, we do not advise caution in that sexual relationship in terms of increasing shedding. Transmission only happens when one person is negative and the other positive, which addresses your second question. yes, full disclosure and condoms and daily antiviral therapy would reduce the transmission risk

Terri

[HSVQuestions]

Okay, thanks for your answer. To clarify, in this scenario the shedding/transmission rate would be INCREASED with the negative partner? But I guess there are no studies to really give how much this might increase the shedding/transmission rate of one of the HSV2+ partners to the negative third party.

[Terri Warren]

The shedding RATE is not determined by the HSV status of either partner, but the RISK of transmission is only present when having sex with a negative partner.

Terri

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