So, a friend and I got into a conversation about STD and we were wondering if there is a way to protect against Herpies. I've done some research and condoms are only like a minor protection against it. Any thought?
Herpes and genital warts (condyloma) are a little more of a challenge. Condoms help but because the lesions of herpes and warts are not limited to the areas covered or protected by the condom, it is possible to contract it even if you have sex with a condom. And it is possible for a person with herpes or condyloma to not have any visible lesions but still be contagious. The best way to prevent it and any other STD? Choose your partners wisely and don't make decisions about sex when you're drunk or otherwise impaired. And use condoms- they're not 100% but they're better than your odds without one.
what if your partner has it? i guess it's a different story depending on whether it's type 1 or type 2?
Most humans contract HSV1 in childhood. It varies by country but the studies indicate that about 50% of teenagers have antibodies to HSV1, indicating an earlier infection. It is estimated that anywhere from 50-90% of adults have had prior exposure to HSV1. The primary means of tranmission of HSV1 is saliva and contact with mucous membranes. HSV2 requires genital to genital contact. There has not been a lot of studies in gay men but the infection rates in straight people of child-bearing age is estimated at between 25-35%. Condoms are estimated to reduce chance of infection by 50%. From a practical standpoint, if you know that HSV2 infection is caused by contact with another person's genitals, the odds of contracting it increase as you increase the number of genitals that you come in contact with...
