HERPES

I had Unprotected Sex with a Woman who has Genital Herpes

Dear Dr. Tom:

I recently had unprotected sex with a woman who has genital herpes (several times within the past week). I am currently showing no symptoms. I do not believe that she had any sores or blisters. What are my chances of contracting the virus; and is there anything that I can do in the meantime?
Thanks, Joe

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Dr. Tom’s Response:

Dear Joe:

Following multiple unprotected exposures to a woman known to have genital herpes, your chances of contacting the infection are good. If your partner is not a shedder and she was not experiencing an outbreak, the infection may not have been transmitted. I suggest you contact your physician and explain your exposure. Your doctor will likely prescribe medication to lessen the difficulty of initial infection, which may likely occur. There are treatment guidelines to care for such eventualities. If you have not been infected and wish to remain that way, it would be in your best personal interest to commence use of condoms.

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