Sexual Health Buzz

Here’s the Question

Can two carriers of HSV 2 have unprotected sex? This is of course after getting tested for all STDS. If they do have sex can the virus be shed other places on the body? Face, lips, etc?

Here is my Answer

If two people are positive for HSV 2 and they have unprotected sex together, they are not going to pass it back and forth. That’s not how it works because once you contract herpes you keep herpes.

It is a good idea to have routine STD testing done so that both parties will know what they are getting themselves into. It’s always a good idea to know your status before beginning a brand new sexual relationship.

When you go in to your doctor’s office OR clinic be sure and ask them what they are testing you for exactly because not all STDS are included in the routine STD testing process. You’d be surprised to know that most people assume they are being tested for everything when in reality they are not.

Depending on which type of HSV you have and where it’s located will have a lot to say about where you can asymptomatically shed the virus. People with herpes tend to shed before, during, and after an outbreak. People that don’t get outbreaks that they can see OR feel tend to shed less often.

If you have genital herpes then outbreaks can occur anywhere below the belt line and usually in the boxer shorts area. If you have oral herpes then outbreaks can occur anywhere above the neck but usually occur in the oral facial area around the mouth. (ie: cold sores and/or fever blisters)