Trying to learn and take the best preventative measures I can.

[Forgotthespoon]

Alright so my girlfriend and I haven't been dating long, and both of us have decided we wanted to do things right and take it slow, so we haven't had any sexual relations as of yet, but as it sits now with both of us being young and in love, we are looking at getting a lot serious. This is where it got interesting she confessed to me that she was given genital herpes, I wasn't expecting that, however I really do like this girl and believe it is something I can see past, because of how great of a person she is. Now I have been doing some extensive research on the subject matter, and understand that 1-4 women have it, (also I know statistically with how many previous partners I have had my chances of having it and not knowing are also high). I am a firm believer in practicing safe sex as well, so my questions are,
I am uncircumcised, and have read conflicting reports that circumcision helps reduce the risk of catching herpes and other STI's (with a condom of course), and visa versa, what is the real answer to that.

I also know that there is no absolute way of protecting yourself from the STI outside of 100% abstinence,
but what I would really like to know is what else can I do besides take the responsible approach and avoid intercourse during a flare up and shedding?  

[Scared4this]

I think you should also test as well b4 u engage in sex with a new partner.  If we all did this... We probably would slow down the spread.  This would also give u a good baseline for the future.  We all put ourselves at risk every time we have skin to skin contact but I am so glad she told you b4 hand so you can make an informed decision.   I have seen my friend broke up with his bf bc he tested pos and he was neg.... So no judgement at all.  We are all human and this whole experience humbled me to the core.  

[Life360_Dave]

Blood test does not confirm the area wheather its oral or genital only a swab of a sore would confirm location. But we could assume that hsv2 would be genital as well if she is having outbreaks in that area.

[Forgotthespoon]

I want to ask her in person, but may I ask what the differance would be in the tests?

[Life360_Dave]

Dont forget to ask about the test she took.

[Forgotthespoon]

Ah I'm glad I came to this website, I haven't exactly asked because as of last week I was completely ignorant to this situation. I believe she has HSV2 she did tell me she was taking antivirals, other than that I haven't asked about how often. but I will bring it up.

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, first of all you need to find out what test she had to confirm this, blood or swab and then find out if she has hsv1 or 2. By the way, 1 out of 4 women dont have it. I out of 4 women may have hsv1 oral but not 1 out of 4 genital. Also has she ever had out breaks and how often and is she taking any antivirals?