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What are the odds of contracting herpes sexually?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I know a girl who may become sexually active with me told me that she has herpes. She has it for ten years and taking Valtrex every day. She told me that she did not had an outbreak for a very long time. I want to know the risks and the odds behind it if I decide to become sexually active with her. I am bound to get into this relationship for a longer time. I also got cold sores and I wondered whether it is the effect of it. Please suggest.
Answered by Dr. Neha Sud

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Neha Sud is a skilled Dermatologist and Venereologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders, hair and nail conditions, and sexually transmitted infections. She is experienced in advanced dermatological procedures, cosmetic treatments, and patient-centered care. Dr. Sud is dedicated to promoting healthy skin and overall well-being through personalized treatment plans and the latest evidence-based therapies.    

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It depends on the type of herpes that your partner have whether it is in the genital or lips. The virus that causes it are different. This means that if your partner has genital herpes and if you have oral herpes, it does not make you immune to get genital herpes. So you need to be careful and use a protective barrier contraceptive and avoid sexual contact when there are active lesions on the genitalia. When you have active lesions on the lips, avoid kissing or sharing utensils, spoons, cups, and glasses. There are episodes of asymptomatic shedding in between and it cannot be predicted. You can have mild symptoms like burning while passing urine or itching. You can pick up the infection even when you are taking the above precautions but the chances will get reduced when you take care of it.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sud
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At October 22, 2020
Reviewed At January 17, 2024

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Neha Sud is a skilled Dermatologist and Venereologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders, hair and nail conditions, and sexually transmitted infections. She is experienced in advanced dermatological procedures, cosmetic treatments, and patient-centered care. Dr. Sud is dedicated to promoting healthy skin and overall well-being through personalized treatment plans and the latest evidence-based therapies.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Neha Sud
Dr. Neha Sud

Dermatology

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Neha Sud is a skilled Dermatologist and Venereologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders, hair and nail conditions, and sexually transmitted infections. She is experienced in advanced dermatological procedures, cosmetic treatments, and patient-centered care. Dr. Sud is dedicated to promoting healthy skin and overall well-being through personalized treatment plans and the latest evidence-based therapies.    

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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