Long-term Outercourse

[Em133]

Hi Terri,

I’m reaching out because for much of my life I have struggled with HSV2 hypochondria. Five months ago I started dating a man who claimed to have a decent number of unprotected sexual encounters. Due to my anxieties, he agreed to get tested at Planned Parenthood. His results came back positive for HSV2. They did not give any indication of antibody levels, but merely told him that they don’t recommend testing in the first place due to frequent inaccuracies. By this point we have already consistently participated in mutual masturbation (with at times him touching himself before touching me). We’ve also participated in dry humping a few times, where only one of us had underwear on. At times, part of his penis would penetrate me through the underwear. I am worried because I noticed that the hole in his boxer shorts creates a scenario for genital-to-genital rubbing. I am enjoying this relationship, but I don’t think I’m willing to take any HSV2 chances due to my anxieties. I do not plan on having protected or unprotected sex, but I would like to continue our current activity.

Questions:

1.) Do I need to be tested based on the info I have given you? Have I done anything that puts me at risk?
2.) Am I likely to catch HSV2 after continuing with these activities repeatedly over time?
3.) Have you seen anyone contract HSV2 under the circumstances I have provided?
4.) How should I perceive his test results? Should I assume he has HSV2?
5.) If I have not shown symptoms, should I try not to worry?

[Terri Warren]

1.) Do I need to be tested based on the info I have given you? Have I done anything that puts me at risk?

You do not.

2.) Am I likely to catch HSV2 after continuing with these activities repeatedly over time?
No

3.) Have you seen anyone contract HSV2 under the circumstances I have provided?
Never

4.) How should I perceive his test results? Should I assume he has HSV2?
I think it would be good for both of you to know the index value associated with his HSV 2 antibody test result. It could be a low positive which could be a false positive. Anything under 3.5 should be confirmed with a better test.

5.) If I have not shown symptoms, should I try not to worry?
Yes, definitely, try not to worry!

Terri

[Em133]

Thank you for you answer, Terri.

I also have some questions about genital-to-genital rubbing.

1.) Have you ever seen anyone get herpes from genital-to-genital rubbing?

2.) If frottage happens on the outer part of the vagina, is there risk?

3.) Is the labia majora too thick to catch virus from the penis shaft?

4.) Would you recommend testing after a frottage incident between the shaft and outer part of the vagina?

[Terri Warren]

1.) Have you ever seen anyone get herpes from genital-to-genital rubbing?

I have not

2.) If frottage happens on the outer part of the vagina, is there risk?

There is some risk, yes, not big risk but some.

3.) Is the labia majora too thick to catch virus from the penis shaft?

No

4.) Would you recommend testing after a frottage incident between the shaft and outer part of the vagina?

Probably not, unless lesions show up.

Terri

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