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When it comes to sexually transmitted infections, the best way to deal with them is to prevent them. However, it is not always possible to prevent herpes. And herpes is incurable. Here we summarize what studies have shown about the chance of getting herpes during protected sex—meaning sex when a condom or other barrier is used. Several factors are considered, including the following:
We also discuss other ways to help prevent herpes transmission besides condoms or other barriers. YouTube video by expert STD doctor (Dr.Slava Fuzayloff) Getting herpes with protectionIs it possible to get Herpes during protected sex?Yes! According to a 2010 study conducted by Emily T. Martin and others, there is a high risk of herpes transmission during protected sex when one of the partners is herpes-positive.1 The probability reaches 50% to 70%.1, 2 This is explained by the fact that Herpes is transmitted skin-to-skin or skin-to-mucosa.1 Therefore, the parts of the genitals that are not covered by the condom are open to herpes infection.1 Factors affecting the probability of transmissionThe probability of herpes transmission among couples if one of the partners has the infection depends on various factors, such as the clinical manifestation of the disease (symptomatic/asymptomatic), frequency of sexual intercourse, and time since the herpes-positive partner was infected. In general, it is more common to get herpes from someone newly infected. Also, a person with other sexually transmitted infections is at higher risk of contracting herpes through sexual intercourse with a herpes-positive partner.3 The risk for males and females is differentIt has been proven that males are more susceptible to protected herpes transmission. This is because heterosexual females primarily get infected by the herpes simplex virus through penile skin, which is covered by a condom during protected sexual intercourse.2 “….proven that males are more susceptible to protected herpes transmission” On the other hand, heterosexual males may get this infection from contact with a wider surface area, including the vulva and perineum.4 The effectiveness of condom protection in heterosexual contact
The effectiveness of condom protection in homosexual contact.According to a 2010 study by Emily T. Martin and her colleagues, being homosexual does not significantly alter the effectiveness of condom protection against herpes acquisition. Therefore, the probability of contracting herpes during protected sex is approximately the same for homosexual and heterosexual persons.1 Other types of protection when one partner is herpes-positive
ConclusionIn summary, herpes simplex virus is an incurable infection that is highly contagious even during protected sex. The estimated probability of disease acquisition depends on various risk factors and types of sexual intercourse. It is important to use preventive methods to reduce the likelihood of herpes transmission. And it is essential to avoid any kind of sex if herpes lesions are visible. YouTube video by expert STD doctor (Dr.Slava Fuzayloff) References1. Martin ET, Krantz E, Gottlieb SL, et al. A pooled analysis of the effect of condoms in preventing HSV-2 acquisition. Arch Intern Med. 2. Preventing Sexual Transmission of Genital Herpes. Medscape 3. Genital herpes: How can you prevent the spread of herpes in sexual relationships? - InformedHealth.org - NCBI Bookshelf. 4. Magaret AS, Mujugira A, Hughes JP, et al. Effect of Condom Use on Per-act HSV-2 Transmission Risk in HIV-1, HSV-2-discordant Couples. 5. STD Risk and Oral Sex | STD | CDC. 6. How to Have a Fulfilling Sex Life When You Have Genital Herpes. WebMD 7. Herpes simplex virus. WHO 8. Male Circumcision Reduces Risk of Genital Herpes and HPV Infection, but Not Syphilis | National Institutes of Health (NIH). 9. Patient education: Genital herpes (Beyond the Basics) - UpToDate. 10. Schiffer JT, Corey L. New concepts in understanding genital herpes. 11. Bonnar PE. Suppressive valacyclovir therapy to reduce genital herpes transmission: good public health policy? Mcgill J Med. 2009;12(1):39-46. 12. Johnston C, Corey L. Current concepts for genital herpes simplex virus infection: Diagnostics and pathogenesis of genital tract shedding. Clin Microbiol Rev. 13. Belshe RB, Heineman TC, Bernstein DI, et al. Correlate of immune protection against HSV-1 genital disease in vaccinated women. |