Reducing risk of contraction

[gunterj]

Just met a woman that is hsv2 +. Besides condoms are there any meds,  vaccine to reduce my risk of contraction?
Also she's had it for 13 years. States she hasnt had an out break in awhile. Does the risk of transmission reduce in time or in relation to absence of symptoms.

[auntiejessi]

First, congrats for gathering info and reacting reasonably to this. :)

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for herpes.

This is all in the herpes handbook, written by one of the world's leading experts on herpes - https://westoverheights.com/herpes/the-updated-herpes-handbook/ - but to summarize -

If you are male (and if you aren't, I'll address same sex partners in a minute) -

Using no meds/no condoms - there is about a 4-5% chance you'd get hsv2 from her over the course of a year

If you use meds OR condoms - there is about a 2-3% chance that you'd get hsv2 from her over the course of a year

If you use meds AND condoms - there is about a 1-2% chance that you'd get hsv2 from her over the course of a year

Now, I get it. Those numbers mean nothing to the person who beats the odds and gets it. But consider that there is a better chance of a woman getting pregnant on the pill than getting herpes from a woman using meds and condoms if you are a man.

If you are same sex partners, unfortunately, there are no studies on this. In general though, woman to woman transmission of disease is lower than any other combination. I'd still recommend using whatever precautions you're comfortable with - your comfort is important, as is your partner's.

Also, time of infection doesn't do anything either in regards to transmission.

Only you can make the decision if you are comfortable with this. If you decide not to pursue this relationship, please be gentle about it, be honest, and please do not be that person who shares it with friends. She was kind enough to be honest with you about this, so respect her enough to be kind in return.  :)

[gunterj]

Thanks for your answer and the link.  Yeah she,  like anyone,  deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. On this and anything else. I do see a future and that's why I'm getting there info to make the best informed decision.  So that's it does transfer the likelyhood of it being catastrophic, for us,  is lessened.  

She's taking meds for it.  Having outbreak every 4-6weeks.  18 yrs after contracting it.  Been a hard and stresful year for her with a recent significant loss. Do those stats you quote reflect transmission rates when it's dormant?

I've tested positive but that was before tests could determine the type.  As I've had chicken pot and cold soars as a kid.  

Wish I once our future as then I'd not be to concerned. As eventually I know I'll contract it.  Knowing I'd  spend the rest of my life with her and I'd be fine.  Despite that.

Any value in washing up with alcohol?  I've done that in the past as I was with another woman that was positive.  

Thanks again for your reply.  We spoke about it again last night.  Sucks but it's something went are facing together.  All is well.