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A member asked:
If you have genital herpes is it best to abstain from sex forever ?
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
No: An HSV(+) female with an HSV(-) male partner can significantly reduce the chance of her partner getting HSV if she takes daily medication to suppress HSV. In one study of 144 couples (who were NOT on medication) the risk of an infected woman giving HSV to her (-) partner was only 4% over a years time. Taking a medication daily to suppress HSV cut the risk of transmission to 2%.
Answered 4/7/2020
3.5k views
Protect vs Abstain: Best for whom? Life in a bubble? Yes abstaining completely from all oral, anal, and vaginal sex will lower risk of spread the most -- but it is just not realistic. Barrier protection is the next best way to reduce spread along with suppressive therapy for those with frequent outbreaks. Barriers such as condoms are NOT 100% because you can still contract from areas not covered by the condom.
Answered 4/7/2020
3.5k views
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Hi, I have developed some herpes symptoms on my genitals. I have never had any sex .Is it possible to get infected with herpes without physicalcontact?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
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