herpes and sex?

Hi alwaysknow22,

Thanks for posting your question.  Though I'm not a doctor, I do have herpes and I understand your concern.  I also worry about not transmitting herpes to my partner.  My suggestions are that you use condoms, dental dams, or any other protection as often as possible.  Also, you should refrain from any and all sex when you're having an outbreak.  You can also take anti-virals daily which will decrease your level of contagiousness.

Unfortunately the only real way to be sure your partner doesn't get herpes is to abstain from sex.  But since that's not a reality, you should be conscious of your body and symptoms, maintain good clean hygiene, and practice safe sex by using protection.  You don't have to stop having sex, you just have to be aware of yourself and the risks.  I recommend you check out the Prevention, Transmission, and Causes and Risk Factors pages.   

PJ