You can have sex with herpes, but with some important precautions. First, if ulcers or blisters appear on the genitals or in the mouth area, you should refrain from sexual intercourse.
During this period, herpes is especially contagious, and contact can not only be uncomfortable for the infected person, but also significantly increases the risk of transmitting the virus to the partner. Herpes rashes are one of the most acute moments in the course of the disease, when the virus actively multiplies and is easily transmitted through microtraumas of the skin and mucous membranes.
However, during periods when there are no symptoms and the disease is in remission, the risk of transmitting the infection still remains, but it can be significantly reduced. Using condoms is one of the most effective methods of preventing the transmission of herpes, reducing the likelihood of infecting a partner by 65-96%. Despite this, even with a condom, the risk is not completely eliminated, since the virus can be on areas of the skin that are not protected by this contraceptive.
It is important to note that drug therapy for herpes is not prescribed to everyone. Medicines are required only for those who suffer from frequent and severe symptoms of the infection. If such patients begin to regularly take antiviral drugs, this will not only help them control outbreaks of the disease and improve their quality of life, but also significantly reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus to a partner. This therapy is called suppressive and can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to minimal values.
Genital herpes is a viral infection that is predominantly sexually transmitted and is caused by the herpes simplex virus. In most cases, the disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which prefers to affect the epithelial cells of the genitals. However, about 40% of genital herpes cases are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which usually causes infection in the mouth.
HSV-1 genital infections occur through oral sex, when the virus is transferred from the mouth to the genitals. Oral herpes can also occur when HSV-2 is transferred from the genitals to the mouth through oral contact.
Symptoms of genital herpes can vary in severity, depending on whether the infection is a first or recurring episode. Many people who are infected do not experience any unpleasant symptoms.
However, for those who do develop symptoms, the first episode is usually the most severe. The initial outbreak occurs several weeks after infection and is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, tingling, or pain in the buttocks, legs, or thighs. Later, blisters appear on the genitals, which turn into painful ulcers.
In addition, during the primary outbreak, additional flu-like symptoms may occur: high fever up to 40 °C, weakness, headache and joint pain. These symptoms usually disappear within one to two weeks, after which the ulcers crust over and gradually disappear. The primary outbreak is a serious test for the body, and it can be very painful and unpleasant.
After the first outbreak, the virus remains in the body in a latent, or hidden, stage. At this stage, there are no symptoms, and the person may feel completely healthy. However, the virus continues to exist in the nerve cells and can reactivate, leading to repeated episodes of the disease.
These relapses can occur several months or even years after the initial infection. Triggers for relapse can be any stress factors, such as another infectious disease, surgery, emotional stress or even ultraviolet radiation.
Recurrent episodes of herpes are usually milder than the first. Blisters and ulcers may appear in different places than during the primary outbreak, and they are often less painful. Relapses usually do not cause flu-like symptoms such as fever and weakness. However, if the initial outbreak was asymptomatic, a person may mistakenly think that they have only just become infected, since symptoms first appeared during a relapse.
Thus, with herpes, it is important to understand the characteristics of the disease and be prepared for its relapses. Regular use of antiviral drugs, use of condoms and a conscious attitude to your health and the health of your partner can help minimize the risks and lead a full life despite the presence of this infection.
Genital herpes is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, including oral, anal and vaginal. The greatest likelihood of contracting this infection occurs during periods when the disease is in the active phase, and characteristic herpetic rashes in the form of open and moist ulcers appear on the skin or mucous membranes. At this time, viral particles are especially easily transmitted from one person to another through the fluid secreted from herpes blisters.
Once a person has been infected with the herpes virus, it remains in his body for life. Even during periods when there are no external symptoms of the disease and it seems that the infection has retreated, the virus does not disappear completely. It “hides” in nerve cells, inaccessible to the immune system, which could destroy it.
After the initial infection, the virus penetrates the nerve roots that extend from the spinal cord, and then spreads to the nearest sensory ganglia – these are nerve nodes located along the spine.
Even during periods when the disease does not manifest itself externally, a small number of viral particles can leave their secluded places in the nerve nodes and penetrate the epithelial cells of the genitals. Here, the virus can be released into the environment, which makes it possible to infect a partner even in the absence of visible ulcers or other manifestations of infection.
Therefore, it is not uncommon for people to become infected with genital herpes from partners who have no visible signs of the disease and whose skin looks completely healthy.
It is important to remember that the herpes virus quickly loses its activity outside the human body. It is inactivated and becomes incapable of infecting almost instantly. This means that it is simply impossible to become infected with herpes through everyday activities such as shaking hands, hugging, or touching objects that an infected person has touched.
How contagious is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is an infection whose level of contagiousness depends on several factors, including the gender of the infected partner and the type of sexual activity. In general, men become infected with genital herpes from women less often than women from men. This means that the likelihood of transmission from a man to a woman is higher than in the opposite case.
Additionally, the risk of infection varies depending on the frequency of changing sexual partners, the regularity of sexual intercourse, and the use of contraception. It is important to consider what kind of contraception a couple uses and how often they use it.
Different studies offer different estimates of the risk of infection from an infected partner. Some indicate a risk of 3%, others – up to 10%. One of the largest studies found that in stable couples where one of the partners is infected, the probability of contracting herpes is 3.6% over eight months.
How to have safe sex with genital herpes?
- Confirm the diagnosis: If you have sores or other symptoms in the genital area, it is important to make sure that they are indeed related to herpes and not another disease that can be even more dangerous, such as syphilis or chancroid. An accurate diagnosis may require a consultation with a doctor, as well as a PCR test for the presence of the virus in samples from the sores.
- Discuss the situation with your partner: If the diagnosis of herpes is confirmed, an open conversation with your partner becomes necessary. Openly discussing the problem will help maintain trust in the relationship and choose the best strategy to protect the health of both partners.
- Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks: During periods of herpes outbreaks, when blisters and ulcers appear, it is recommended to completely abstain from all types of sexual activity, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. During this period, the risk of transmitting the virus is especially high, even when using condoms. Ulcers can occur in areas that are not protected by condoms, such as the thighs, buttocks and the area around the anus. When in contact with these areas of the skin, the risk of infection increases significantly.
- Use condoms outside outbreaks: Even during periods of remission, when there are no visible symptoms, the herpes simplex virus can be released from skin cells, which maintains the risk of infection. However, correct use of condoms significantly reduces the likelihood of transmission: by 96% for women and by 65% for men. Thus, condoms remain an important means of protection, even if partners are in remission. Consider antiviral therapy for frequent outbreaks: If outbreaks are frequent and cause significant discomfort, it is recommended to discuss antiviral therapy with your doctor. Drugs such as acyclovir can significantly reduce the frequency of outbreaks, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner. These medications are available by prescription and should only be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Can I have oral sex if I have herpes on my lip?
The same rules apply for oral sex with herpes on my lip as for vaginal or anal sex. If there are blisters or ulcers on the lips, it is best to refrain from oral sex until the skin has completely healed, as this minimizes the risk of transmitting the virus to your partner.
Information about the risk of transmitting HSV-1 during oral sex
The risk of sexual intercourse outside of an outbreak is limited, but the risk is probably low. However, genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses. Once the virus has entered the body, it is impossible to completely get rid of it. The infection can be transmitted both during an active outbreak and during remission.
To minimize the risk of infection, it is recommended to avoid sexual activity during outbreaks of herpes infection. Oral sex is possible outside of outbreaks, but it is advisable to use condoms for vaginal and anal sex. If outbreaks occur frequently, it is worth considering starting antiviral therapy.
