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Is Mild Genital Herpes Contagious?

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Posted on Fri, 8 Aug 2014
Question: My bf diagnised with genital mild heroes 1990. His last breakout 2 months ago only on tiny pimple. He takes voltrex . If we have entercourse, is it contageous
doctor
Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Herpes genitalis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to healthcare magic.

I understand from your query that your boyfriend has genital herpes and you are concerned whether it could spread to you through sexual intercourse.

Let me tell you a few medical facts about genital herpes.

The herpes virus will stay dormant in the nerves and cause outbreaks now and then when the body's immunity levels go low.
However, even when the person is not having an active break out of herpes, he could still continue to shed the virus in his genital secretions. This is called as " Asymptomatic shedding". That means shedding virus without any symptoms on the outside.

The drug Valacyclovir ( Valtrex) will only heal the blisters during an active break out or when taken regularly, it will suppress the infection so that one does not get frequent break outs. However, this will not prevent the shedding of the virus in the genital secretions.

With this in mind, one can indulge in sexual intercourse using a condom which will prevent the infection from spreading from an infected partner to another.

Having said this, genital herpes is not a life- threatening disease. With adequate protection and care, you can prevent spread of the infection and enjoy a healthy and normal life.

Hope this helps you.

If you any further queries, I will be glad to answer.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (28 hours later)
Is oral sex contageous when there is no breakouts
doctor
Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, it is possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Greetings.

Yes. It is possible for herpes to be transmitted through oral sexual intercourse even when there are no breakouts.
This is because of the same reason that I have explained earlier- that the virus can be shed in genital secretions even without any symptoms.

It is advisable to use a condom at all times irrespective of the type of intercourse.

Hope this helps you.

Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Johny Chacko

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1916 Questions

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Is Mild Genital Herpes Contagious?

Brief Answer: Herpes genitalis Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to healthcare magic. I understand from your query that your boyfriend has genital herpes and you are concerned whether it could spread to you through sexual intercourse. Let me tell you a few medical facts about genital herpes. The herpes virus will stay dormant in the nerves and cause outbreaks now and then when the body's immunity levels go low. However, even when the person is not having an active break out of herpes, he could still continue to shed the virus in his genital secretions. This is called as " Asymptomatic shedding". That means shedding virus without any symptoms on the outside. The drug Valacyclovir ( Valtrex) will only heal the blisters during an active break out or when taken regularly, it will suppress the infection so that one does not get frequent break outs. However, this will not prevent the shedding of the virus in the genital secretions. With this in mind, one can indulge in sexual intercourse using a condom which will prevent the infection from spreading from an infected partner to another. Having said this, genital herpes is not a life- threatening disease. With adequate protection and care, you can prevent spread of the infection and enjoy a healthy and normal life. Hope this helps you. If you any further queries, I will be glad to answer. Take care. Regards, Dr. Johny Chacko