Check out this website: http://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/18/giving-your-partner-herpes/. I find it very helpful. However, you can peform oral sex on your partner. Genital herpes resides in the lower spine. If you check out the above website, it claims that HSV-1 (oral herpes) can live in the lower spine and a person can have outbreaks (caused by shedding) similiar to genital herpes. Whereas, HSV-2 cannot shed in the upper spine therefore not an issue.
While the virus cannot live long outside of the genital (HSV-1 or HSV-2) or oral (HSV-1) areas, your partner should wash his hands and outer areas of his genital areas after having sexual relations with you. By touching his eyes, he can spread the herpes infection and live virus in his genital areas can enter his body.
You should also be taking antiviral drugs and use a condom at all times. This regimen is NOT 100% effective by any means but it reduces the risk of transmitting the virus, with or without any active symtoms of the virus including tingling or swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin. If you haven't disclosed having herpes to your partner, you must do so. Herpes is a virus and it affects people differently especially with weakened immune systems. Plus, they can take legal action against you for not doing so. Medical records can be subpoenead.
Again, check out this website: http://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/18/giving-your-partner-herpes/. I think you will find it very helpful. Unfortunately, herpes comes with life-long issues. You have to tell your partner that you have herpes and let him review this website. He must become full informed ot what the risks of getting herpes: you shouldn't be deciding what sexual practises are safe or risky-- it's up to him and him alone to decide. Fortunately (if you want to call it that) I was infected by a partner (who denied having any STDs) later in life so I wasn't confronted with the obstacles that you are facing. I think you have to be realistic that some persons will be uncomfortable with having sexual relations with an infected partner and not take it personally. Besides, what's worse having herpes or giving it someone else? Without honesty, there is no trust. Without trust, there is no relationship. Herpes is an opportunity to learn how to speak one's truth. Good luck to you.
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Thank you very much for this information. I feel a little bit better. I still have my main concern is talking to my partner about my situation, I feel like no one is ever going to want to be with me again.
I am scared if the guy I really do care about excepts this all, then what to do we do from there. Part of realtionships is sexual. Will he be able to preform oral sex on me? Or is this not safe what so ever?
I am concerned what to do when it comes time for my to want to have children. Will I pass it to him and potentially my child?
Thanks