If you have herpes, how many days out of the year can you not have sex b/c of painful outbreaks?

Question

Or just outbreaks in general, not necessarily painful. Between a girl having her period and her partner having outbreaks, I am concerned by how often sex will have to be avoided. I know it is different for everyone, but would appreciate examples from people that have it or whose partners have it. Bad examples or good, please share!

Answer 1

Once I got herpes, I learned very quickly that outbreaks can be triggered by stress. Since I am a Type A individual, I had to learn to take things slower, not do so much all the time, and relax. Of course this was better for me as a person also, but it took getting Herpes for that to happen.

I would say I had outbreaks maybe once a year or once every 2 years for several years, and then less and less. I never get them anymore, probably not for 7 years or so. That's what happens, every time you have an outbreak, your body builds up antibodies, and even though it will live in your nervous system forever, it will eventually stop coming out in the form of outbreaks of sores on your genitals. I have known people who had outbreaks much more often than I did, but they also lived much more stressful lives, and I think you can choose to change that, even though it might be difficult. Painful sores in your genital region can really motivate you to change though!

When I had an outbreak, I stopped having sex as soon as I felt the tingling that MIGHT signal an oubreak, waited to see if it was an outbreak, stayed off the sex while the sores were visible, and waited to have sex until all symptoms had been gone for several days. Since an oubreak for me would last about a week or so, this means I would not have sex for about 2 weeks.

I hope this is helpful!

Answer 2

Like you said, everyone is different. Some people experience outbreaks more often than others. I have personally had genital herpes for 6+ years, but I've been outbreak free for over 2 years.

Also, just because a person isn't on an outbreak doesn't mean that they can't spread the virus! Herpes can be spread when the person is having an outbreak or not having one. I contracted genital herpes from a guy I had sex with ONE time. He wasn't showing any signs or symptoms of the virus (like an outbreak).

Best thing to do is ALWAYS use condoms. Even though they are not 100% effective in preventing the spread of herpes or other STDs, they DEFINITELY help! And, NEVER have sex with your boyfriend while he is on an outbreak.

Good luck!

Answer 3

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Genital ulcer diseases can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected. Since a condom may not cover all infected areas, even correct and consistent use of latex condoms cannot guarantee protection from genital herpes.

Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with uninfected partners when lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms he or she can still infect sex partners. Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected. Sex partners can seek testing to determine if they are infected with HSV. A positive HSV-2 blood test most likely indicates a genital herpes infection.

Answer 6

You should never have sex. You messed up and that is a just punishment. Stop spreading the diseases and let people that are smart enough to not get STDs be safe!!!

Yeah I know that is an insane idea, but it would stop the spreading of STDs.