Poor Judgment, now worried

[overit]

I greatly appreciate your service. I have had hsv-2 for 25 years. Last night I made a risky decision to masturbate with my partner while I have an active outbreak. I did touch myself, near the outbreak and also touched my mouth. I believe I may have touched my partner’s penis, and my partners penis did touch my mouth I am sure. I’m worried about autoinoculation to my mouth, and also the possibility of the touching transmission to my partner. My partner of 20 years has never been tested and chooses not to. My gyn believes it’s very likely my partner has hsv2 and just has yet to show symptoms. Can you advise if either the autoinoculation is a concern – I expect the touching transmission certainly is.

[Terri Warren]

We are only concerned about the possibility of autoinoculation during the first couple months of having herpes. After that, your immune system will very likely prevent you from getting infected at a new location on your body, so I would definitely take that off your worry list.

As for your partner of 20 years: If your partner has not yet acquired this from you, it is quite unlikely that they will. Partners of people who have herpes who are not themselves infected often develop a kind of protective recognition in their immune system. So the longer a couple who is discordant stays together and don’t both become infected, the less likely that is to happen.

I hope this is helpful!

Terri

[overit]

Yes, very helpful and eased our mind. Thank you for this invaluable service Terri.

[Terri Warren]

You are most welcome.

You have two more questions to ask so feel free. Your post will be available for about 2 months from now.

Terri

[Author]

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