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Q: Can herpes be contagious if during sex oral or vaginal there were no signs of outbreaks? There are mixed answers non clear so I want a clear more definite answer.
Check this out-- it may help answer your concerns: http://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/genital-herpes/. You can get herpes from an infected partner even there are no signs of an outbreak. 70% of all persons are infected by a partner without any symptoms. I was infected by an asymptomatic partner.
It's important that you understand that even a condom is used and the infected partner takes Valtrex or Acyclovir, the uninfected partner can become infected with the herpes virus. On my drug summary sheet for Acyclovir, it states: "This medicine is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, this medicine does not eliminate the virus, is not a cure, and does not prevent transmission to others."
A condom alone is 30% effective. Antiviral drugs takenn alone are 49% effective. Used together provide more protection. There is nothing 100% effective other than refraining from sexual activity with an infected person.
As my doctor explained it, 20% of the male population are estimated to be infected with the herpes virus while 25% of the female population have it. Men have a better immune system in that part of the body and lower rate of being infected. However, you can infect someone without any symptoms like my ex-boyfriend did to me. It had been years since he had an outbreak not recognizing he put me at risk with the herpes virus. The condom is only 30% effective and shedding outside of the genitals (pubic and thighs) can transmit herpes.
check std Q & A here http://www.positivemate.com/std_questions_answers hope it helps.
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Thank you so much for this information. I was told in the past that the only sure way a person can get infected from an infected person is if an outbreak was present and they had sex. My doctor informed me if an outbreak was present to use a condom but again condoms do not protect against everything. I also asked because I have had herpes for 17 years now and have a very mild case and I have had a pretty normal sex life. My child got here safely and not to my knowledge have I infected anyone at any point of time. I also had someone I dated go and get tested just to be on the safe side even though I ensured him I was okay after we had sexual intercourse. Some people say you can spread it when you dont' have an outbreak, some say you can't and again I was just wondering because I haven't spread anything to anyone again not to my knowledge without an outbreak.
Thank you again