HSV-2 Test

[birdbeak1]

I went on a few dates with a guy and eventually we ended up back at his place. We kissed, he gave me oral sex, I gave him a handjob. We did not have sex in any other capacity; afterwards he told me that he'd contracted HSV-2 as a teen and takes a suppressant daily. He said he hasn't passed it to any of his sexual partners since his positive test as a teen and hasn't had an active outbreak in years due to his diligence in taking the suppressant. We've since decided to just be friends and despite not having any symptoms at all, moving my hands away before ejaculation during the handjob, and his insistence on a low viral load/no visible sores I still have some anxiety about our encounter and HSV-2 contraction, especially as I consider dating again. Would it be wise to get tested for HSV-2 or am I just being paranoid? Could kissing or him giving me oral sex been too risky? They don't test for it without symptoms in the typical suite of tests and I don't have much sexual experience so just wanted some advice. Thank you!

[auntiejessi]

There is no risk to you from what you describe here.

He is only infectious from the site of his infection - his genitals - so him giving you oral sex is not a risk for genital hsv2.

While there is a very low risk for something called herpetic whitlow - herpes on the hands - if he didn't have an outbreak, there is not really a risk, and there is only a risk if the skin on your hand was broken.

Herpes isn't spread by body fluids - only skin to skin contact. Genital herpes is only spread by direct, unclothed skin to skin contact of the genitals, or genitals to the anus - think intercourse or really heavy rubbing or grinding.

There's no need for you to test.