If you or your partner has herpes, the issue of what’s safe and what isn’t in the bedroom can be a confusing one. You will likely read all manner of different ideas and statistics on transmission rates, male versus female infection likelihood, the safety and failure rates of condoms, dental dams, and suppression therapy. The real truth is you can never be 100 percent protected from an infected partner passing herpes on to a non infected partner, but with some common sense and a little forethought before intimacy, you can drastically reduce the risk and a herpes sufferer can still enjoy a fulfilling sex life with a non infected partner.

The first thing to know about having sex during herpes outbreak is, it is not recommended. When you are having an outbreak you are much more likely to shed the virus and pass it on to your partner. Having sex between genital herpes outbreaks is much safer. However if having sex during an outbreak does not pose issues of irritation or soreness to you, or maybe your outbreaks are very frequent, or whatever reason you choose to have relations during an outbreak, here’s how you can reduce the risk.

Firstly, ensure proper protection is used. This means a well fitted condom or a strong dental dam, and be sure to check periodically to make sure it hasn’t slipped or torn during lovemaking. Condoms and dams don’t offer 100 percent protection, but can certainly reduce the risk dramatically.

Secondly, ensure the infected partner is taking a daily antiviral suppressive drug, and has kept up with dosage. These drugs reduce shedding significantly, and combined with the condom or dam, reduce the risk of transmission further.

Thirdly, remember there’s more to sex than penetration. If you are having a flare up, there’s more options for sex during herpes than just vaginal sex. Try mutual masturbation, sex toys, or if the infected partner doesn’t have oral sores, he or she can safely perform oral sex on the other partner.

Overall, remember sex during an outbreak is not recommended, and adds significant risk of transmitting the virus. However, if both partners understand the risk and take the above precautions, the risk can be reduced, and you can enjoy sex during herpes.

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now and From Coming Back For Good by Dr David Hoggs

Cold Sore Freedom in 3 days by Grace Melgarejo

Positive Single – Support site for herpes members.

If you are sexually intimate with a person who has herpes simplex II, or genital herpes there are a few things that you should know about herpes transmission.

The herpes simplex viruses are transmitted through skin to skin contact. It is not a blood borne virus, it lays dormant in the nervous system, and when it is triggered it rises to the surface. This is known as a herpes outbreak. Genital herpes outbreaks can look like anything from puss filled sores, to small open wounds. They can occur inside the vagina, on the scrotum, pelvis, the inner thigh, buttocks or lower back. Herpes sores can be big enough to see visibly, but they can also be be small as a pin point and barely noticeable to the human eye.

Now that you understand what a genital herpes outbreak is and the ways it can appear – you should realize that the answer to your question is simply yes – you can still get herpes even if you wear a condom and the person has no visible signs of an outbreak.

If you are in a relationship with a person who has genital herpes and are considering being sexually intimate with them, it is important for you to have a honest discussion about what types of medications they take. While condoms can reduce your risk, it is not a fool proof method of prevention. In order to protect yourself, your partner should commit to taking daily suppressive therapy like Valtrex. Studies have shown that using condoms combined with daily suppressive therapy will reduce your risk to under two to five percent.

John Currie

JJ Currie has written a series of excellent herpes cure reports with a view to helping sufferers of herpes stop herpes outbreaks without drugs, potions or lotions. The LIVE HERPES FREE REPORTS which may be downloaded from http://www.liveherpesfree.com/herpesreports.htm discuss important herpes questions such as herpes diet and nutrition, herpes transmission and you can also view the comprehensive list of herpes resources at the site.

Additional Reading:

Stop Herpes Now & From Coming Back for Good by Dr David Hogg

If you or your partner have an active cold sore on your mouth while indulging in oral sex, you can potentially give your partner genital herpes. Although the virus may be slightly different, the outcome will still be the same. Painful sores on the genitals that will flare up from time to time.

The herpes virus is infectious when active. Those painful little lesions are best kept away from others until the sores are healed over with new skin. Using the latest herpes treatments will shorten the length of time your cold sore will be on your face.

Living with herpes of any nature can be made much simpler and less painful with the latest medications. At the very first tingle, or pain sensation, start your medication or topical cream straight away. Often by doing this you can prevent a full blown outbreak. At the very least you will minimize the length and severity of the outbreak.

At the slightest tingle anywhere, it is good practice to keep that part of your body away from skin contact with anyone else. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying any creams or lotions.

There are people out there who will tell you that they always kiss their boyfriend or girlfriend when they have cold sores and the other one has never caught it. These people have some sort of resistance and are the fortunate minority.

Genital herpes (HSV2) and cold sores on the mouth (oral herpes or HSV1) can both occur on other parts of your body. Care should be taken when you are dating someone with oral herpes with an active outbreak on the mouth to minimize the risk of infecting the other’s genitals.

Billy Baker ~  Copyright Billy Baker, who has provided more in-depth information on herpes dating here. Or go straight to this brief review of a special dating with herpes site.

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