Can Herpes…? Does Herpes…?
Ladies! (Guys?!): You can’t really be asking this question. The answer as to whether or not does herpes spread is an absolute and resounding: YES!
It really, really does.
And fast and easy. I am not saying this to scare you because with a few small steps you can absolutely stop the spread of herpes. If you already have genital herpes then we can talk a little bit about how to greatly reduce the risk of herpes transmission. BUT if you are reading this because someone has just had the absolute and total decency of telling you they carry the HSV virus, then I also want to reassure you that while herpes does spread, you can totally and absolutely have an awesome sexual relationship with them and NOT contract herpes.
My own experience is a testament to this fact. Ten years now with the same partner (husband) and despite repeated exposure, he continues to test negative for herpes.
How Does Herpes Spread?
Genital herpes spreads through sexual contact. 99% of the time. I say this because the HSV2 virus needs only to come in contact with soft skin (typically genitalia and the area around the mouth), to infect a previously healthy person. By, “healthy” I mean someone that did not previously carry the virus. This can of course happen through various ways over and above sexual contact.
For example, in regards to herpes and smoking, if someone has a cold sore on their mouth (could be HSV1 OR HSV2) and you share a cigarette with them, it is possible for the virus to pass to your mouth, and now you have HSV2 on your mouth as well. Be very careful with this. The virus is mysterious and does not always transmit even with direct exposure. I am not sure if this has to do with the uninfected person having a dominant immune system or if the herpes virus was just having a bad day…
Bottom line: Protect yourself and your uninfected current and future partners. More on this at here at spreading herpes.
Be well and e-mail me with any questions!
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