Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I was diagnosed with genital herpes. I had a positive western blot test. I have never seen or had an outbreak. I was only diagnosed with a blood test. Last week my partner and I had protected sex that lasted for about 15 minutes. The following week I again had protected sex for about 15 minutes. At the last minute, the condom broke, and then I proceeded to pull out. These are the only two sexual encounters me and my partner had. Is she at great risk, given the scenario I have explained? I am just trying to figure out the status and risk of the given scenario. And how does wearing a condom help in general? I saw that the possibility of transmission from male to female is 96 %. Should I be worried?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you have been suffering from genital herpes.
According to your query, male condoms are made from latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane are the best protection against STIs like genital herpes spread by fluids. Condoms can protect against STIs like genital herpes. But condom prevents STDs. Some studies suggest that condoms 90-95% effective, when used consistently, are consistent condom users 10-20 times less likely to become infected than nonusers. STDs like genital herpes cannot pass through them. Condoms can fail to prevent STDs' exposure like genital herpes if they break, slip, or leak during sex.
According to your statement, your condom was broken during the last sexual activities, but you could pull out your penis before ejaculation. But if some fluids from your penis enter into her genitalia, then she can also become infected by genital herpes. So, it would be better that she should undergo investigation for herpes.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I thought that genital herpes only passes from skin contact and not fluids.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Herpes is always transmitted through oral or genital contact with the virus. This may include oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, and skin to skin contact when the virus is active on a person's mouth or genitals. The herpes virus is not always active, but it can be even when no symptoms are present.
You can get herpes through direct skin contact with an infected area or from secretions infected with herpes like saliva, semen, vaginal secretions, including on shared utensils or toothbrushes.
Treatment is antiviral like Acyclovir.For your sexual partner's safety, it is best to assume that you are contagious, and you can spread the infection to others. So, take precautions like abstaining from any sexual activities during an outbreak and using condoms at other times.
I hope this helps.
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