Unprotected Sex Genital Herpes

[suanne12]

I have had genital herpes for 24 years now.  my outbreaks are far in between.  when I get an active lesion, it's very small and hardly noticeable.  I had unprotected sex with my partner today, and realized after that I had an active lesion just on the outside of my vagina. I did not realize that he removed the condom and I am very upset he did. What are the chances of him contracting the virus?  I had 2 children and in long term relationships in the past and never transmitted the virus to anyone.  Also, could the chances that I've had it for so many years reduce the transmittal to my partner?  

[auntiejessi]

It's possible, but there are some variables at play here.

Were you ever tested to see which type you have? 24 years ago, it was assumed that all genital herpes was hsv2, but we know now that you can get hsv1 genitally from oral sex. It's important because if your partner already has hsv1 (and many do, even if they've never had a cold sore), the chances of him getting hsv1 from you are very, very, very low as he has antibodies to protect him. Ask your doctor for a type specific IgG blood test. It can miss some hsv1 infections, but if it comes back negative for both, you can assume it's hsv1. It doesn't miss hsv2 infections. Your partner should also ask for this test.

The length of infection doesn't reduce the changes of transmission, especially if you had an outbreak at the time.

Does your partner know you have herpes? If he doesn't, now would be the time to tell him. Read the herpes handbook so you can talk to him with the most updated info, and remember that he removed the condom. Condoms don't provide 100% protection for herpes, but they do offer some. He's a big boy (I'm assuming he's an adult), and he made his choices.

Herpes Handbook - https://westoverheights.com/herpes/the-updated-herpes-handbook/