Chances of Getting Herpes with Condom and No Outbreak

Regardless of the type of sexually transmitted infections, preventing them is always the best practice. However, when it comes to herpes, it is not always possible to stop the infection and its complications. So, how can you prevent this infection? Let us find out how condoms and other protective barriers help in minimizing the risk of herpes infection. One of the questions that sexually active individuals often ask is whether they can still get herpes with condoms. The answer is YES! When a sexual partner is positive of herpes, there is a high chance of transmission regardless of the usage of condoms during sexual intercourse. The probability rate of this transmission is between 50% to 70%. How does this happen? Herpes is a viral condition that spreads through direct contact with an infected individual. Despite using a condom, other genital parts are not protected.  The exposed parts become the agent of herpes transmission. Using condoms reduces the risk of herpes infection. However, transmission is highly possible if the sexual partner is newly-infected with herpes. This also observes herpes symptoms, such as lesions, blisters, and sores around the genitals. While condoms prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, it does not eliminate viral transmission involving the herpes simplex virus. When infection occurs regardless of condom use, antiviral medications are a necessity. What are other ways you can prevent herpes infection despite your herpes-positive partner?

1. Avoid sex when symptoms are active.
2. Do not engage in sexual intercourse when symptoms are active and present, even when you have precautions such as condom. Outbreaks can still happen despite taking antiviral drugs. Avoid getting intimate with your partner when blisters or sores are visible on the genitals
3. Circumcision among males
4. Males who have undergone circumcision are partially protected from herpes. Uncircumcised men are at risk of getting infected.

Antiviral medications are available in case of possible infection. Since a herpes vaccine is still not feasible, oral medications are accessible to use. These medications may include Acyclovir and Valacyclovir. While protective barriers, such as condoms, do not fully protect you from the infection, they can still lessen the viral spread.