Protecting Partners from Herpes

"I was diagnosed with genital herpes. I can't wear protection as I am skin sensitive to latex. What can I do to protect future partners? If we have oral sex how can I protect him from this virus? I am not on meds for it."

The good news for those allergic to latex: you can wear protection. Because latex allergies are relatively common, there are latex-free-condoms made of polyurethane. Polyurethane condoms come in both male and female forms—the female condom fits inside the vagina and the male polyurethane condom is identical to its latex brother and feels equally great.

Unfortunately, in terms of herpes even wearing a polyurethane condom will not completely 100% protect your partners since herpes can be spread by skin-to-skin contact. Not having skin-to-skin contact during an outbreak of sores is important, since that is the period in which one may be most contagious. It also may be a good idea to speak to a doctor about medication. Acyclovir, a medication for herpes, can reduce the risk of spreading herpes to partners and reduce the number of outbreaks.

For more information about herpes, visit: http://www.sfcityclinic.org/stdbasics/herpes.asp.
To your health,
Dr. K

(Photo: Getty Images)

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Dr. K is Jeffrey D. Klausner, MD, MPH, a board-certified internist and infectious disease specialist. Currently, he is a deputy health officer and director of the STD Prevention and Control Services Section at the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

Comments

[herp]

can you get herpes from sharing a toilet, drinks or cigarettes with someone infected? my str8 friend has herpers and likes to share cigarettes and drinks when we go out(cheap fuck) and I end up having to buy another drink and smoke a different cigarette, but we have shared in the past...

[Juan]

Hello l have a friend he lives in Mundelein, ILL, he got herpes in his mouth but seems he can not get any help from anywhere, can you tell me where can he go to fight bsck his herpes? eighter he can not find a place to get his HIV test his zip code is 60060

[oldkingtroll]

My kid sister got herpes from her ex-husband; and the shit head did not tell her anything about his having it until after he'd infected her. First step: full disclosure. Second step: self love during an outbreak.

This reminds of a riddle back in the mists of time when I was in high school. What's the difference between love and herpes? Herpes lasts forever.

[Joey]

Diamonds last forever! LOL

[Lance]

Can you get herpes from some one by givng them a hand job when they don't have outbreaks?

[Me]

About oral herpes:

* 50% -> 80% of the adult population has it
* 90% of the 50+ population has it

Oral herpes is as sure as death & taxes

GOOD LUCK avoiding oral herpes!!!

(http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_oralherpes.cfm#2)

[H_Guy]

I've had herpes for over a year now. When I found out I thought my life was over, but with the use of Valtrex I've only had my initial outbreak and none since. It's over a year now with no break out! Also i'm engagded and me and my partner have agreed to not use protection if there aren't any outbreaks of course; and he's fine too.

[K]

A few years ago "they" were saying that (that nebulous they), they were coming up with a vaccine for herpes. Then you never heard anything about it. There should be more vaccine research in this country. Also, gonnorrhea and syphillis must have gene codes that are really hard to crack because you never hear anyone trying to come up with vaccines for those diseases. People will yell about "personal responsibility", but protecting against gonnorrhea, syphillis and herpes would help reduce public health costs, one would think.

[hgirl]

Great information.

I thin i can recommend our herpes site to you if you living with herpes and want to find more friends and support: herpesloving .com

[Marian Nicholson]

Dr K should have made it plain that you only catch this by skin to skin contact WITH THE AFFECTED AREA, not the rest of your body.
The virus is VERY FRAGILE; it dies when it is not a blood heat and very humid. So it cannot remain alive on cups, towels, toilets etc long enough to be transmitted.
Two vaccines are being trialled at present. We await results with interest.
Check out www.herpes.org.uk for up-to-date and very clear information.

[What Does Herpes Look Like]

i love my gf, but i didn't expect this to happen... regret comes in the end indeed... when we found out, we were in shock! now our love lives in disarray, she's blaming herself.

[prince02]

hi eveone i wondering if i got herpes and i touch my face can i got some herpes in my face theres any cure for this

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[Me]

Such a helpful post. Thanks!