Can sex with an HSV-2 partner transmit the infection?

Hello,

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I understand your concern.

If a condom slips off during sex with a partner who has herpes type 2, there is a potential risk of exposure. Later that same week, if you had protected sex with another person and then noticed pain and a spot at the base of your penis the following day, it is understandable to be concerned. This spot could be due to several causes, such as a cut, friction burn, ingrown hair, or irritation from shaving, which can create tiny skin breaks and increase the risk of infections like herpes entering the skin.

The risk of contracting herpes from vaginal sex without a condom is about four percent per encounter if the infected partner is symptomatic. If they are asymptomatic and on antiviral medication, the risk drops to around 0.4 percent to 1 percent. Condoms reduce the risk by roughly 30 percent to 50 percent, but if the condom slips off, protection may be incomplete, depending on how long it was off and how much skin-to-skin contact occurred.

Herpes sores typically appear 2 to 12 days after exposure, often as painful red bumps that become blisters and open sores. These are usually accompanied by burning, tingling, itching, or flu-like symptoms and tend to appear on the shaft, base, or tip of the penis. However, friction injuries, shaving nicks, or ingrown hairs can look similar initially.

If you see just one spot, with no blistering, in an area affected by shaving or rubbing, herpes becomes less likely. A brief condom slip with no visible outbreak from your partner also reduces the risk, though it does not eliminate it. If no additional symptoms like more sores, body aches, or fever appear in the next few days, that is a positive sign.

You should consider getting tested for herpes. A swab test is the most accurate if the spot is still open. Blood tests are not useful immediately since antibodies can take 4 to 12 weeks to develop. In the meantime, you can apply a topical antibiotic like Polysporin (Polymyxin B) if it appears to be a cut, but if it worsens or blisters, see a doctor promptly. It is best to avoid sexual activity until the area heals and you know what caused it.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.