Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Genital herpes - chances of transmission

Thanks in advance for any information that the community can provide to me.


I'm a heterosexual male that recently became sexually active with a female that recently tested positive for genital herpes. So far we've had intercourse only once but it was unprotected.

The fact that she brought it up prior to anything physical happening so that I could make my own decision on the risk factor frankly makes me like her even more that I did prior to knowing. However, i am concerned about the risk factor- and would like to determine the probability that it was passed to me during a singular encounter as well as evaluating whether or not we should continue to pursue a physical relationship.

She currently has no symptoms and is taking the daily anti viral treatment.

My questions are as follows:

1. What's the probability that it's already been passed to me based on our (so far) singular encounter?
2. If we continue to pursue a physical relationship, what are the chances I will get herpes both from using condoms as well as without?

I've spent a good portion of the day doing my research but the answers on my two questions seem to be inconsistent depending on the resource.

Just as she took the time and consideration to inform me of the issue, I intend to be equally thoughtful towards evaluating my risk to determine if this is a relationship that I'm going to pursue.

Thanks to all that provide input on this forum, it's an invaluable resource.
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Your information is very useful. Thanks.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes the 1 in 5000 is for unprotected sex, it is less if protected.

Your mouth sore has nothing to do with herpes let alone HSV2.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your response. And no, we're not at a stage to have the lifetime partner conversation. I'm going to start using protection if we continue to see each other.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your response. I had posted a follow up question regarding whether or not the 1 in 5000 takes into account the variable of protected versus unprotected sex.

I haven't had any symptoms, except this morning I noticed a small mouth sore on my inner cheek. I normally wouldn't think anything of it except for my recent possible exposure. However, she has HSV2 genital and researching this morning it seems like this sore is likely unrelated as we didn't engage in oral sex. Would you agree or is this is a symptom that is cause for concern?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I can't stress enough the importance of talking to your doctor.  I think it's awesome you were willing to pursue this girl and even better she told you before hand. With that being said even without symptoms it can still be spread and many people don't have symptoms or know they are carrying the virus. And there is no way to track when a carrier is "shedding" the virus.  Do you intend on making her a lifetime partner? If your unsure , I would use condoms and seek  clarification from a medical professional. Take it from someone who has been there. Best of luck in your relationship.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks very much for your response. It is HSV2 genital. is the 1 in 5000 taking into account the variable of unprotected sex? I've been sexually active for twenty years, and doing so much research today surprised me to know considering the number of partners I've had its a pretty good guess I've unknowingly slept with one or more females with Hsv2.


Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
All individuals are different, so we can only give you averages for a population of people in your situation.
Women on antivirals spread HSV2 to a male on average 2% in a year. For say 100 episodes in a year, this means a single encounter is 1 in 5,000 chance.
Type is very important tto the equation. If she has HSV1 genital, the odds are much lower.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.