Unprotected Encounter Worried

[Worried2022]

Hi Terri!

I am a M (37) who had a brief unprotected penetrative sexual encounter with a F who has been HSV2 + for 15 years. She rarely gets outbreaks (less than one a year) and takes daily antivirals and supplements. We had a lot of heavy genital contact, some through undergarments, and a few minutes of unprotected penetrative PIV sex and then I got nervous and we finished orally (her giving oral to me). She does not have a current outbreak. I know it’s to soon to tell but now I have a lot of anxiety that I might have contracted HSV2. What are the odds of contracting HSV2 in a sexual encounter of this nature? What should my next steps be?

• This topic was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by Worried2022.

[Terri Warren]

From your description, the odds of getting HSV 2 in this situation are just incredibly small – her antiviral meds and lack of frequent recurrences and the brief duration of unprotected intercourse all speak to an incredibly low risk of transmission. And I’m assuming you have no symptoms also?

TErri

[Worried2022]

Hello Terri,

That is correct, I currently do not have any symptoms. It has been 7 days since the encounter. Do you think I should still get tested and/or there is still a risk of developing symptoms? We have been in a relationship for a couple months but have always been careful about using protection up until this single encounter. Thank you for your response. I hope you feel better soon.

[Terri Warren]

I think it is very unlikely that you will subsequently develop symptoms. I think if you plan to be with her for the near future, there is no need to test at this point. If you don’t stay together, THEN you might want to test.

Terri

[Worried2022]

Thank you Terri. I am on day 12 now and still no symptoms. Last question: what are the average rates of transmission if we do choose to continue to pursue unprotected sex given our specific circumstances which include the age of her diagnosis, daily anti-virals, and lack of outbreaks?

[Terri Warren]

We have a general transmission rate of women to men of about 4% per year. If you add in antivirals, the risk is about 2% per year having sex about twice per week.

Terri

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