I recently tested positive for HSV2 using the Herpes Select blood test. I've never shown symptoms that I've been aware of, so the results were a big surprise. The news is still pretty new, and I'm trying to figure out what it means for me in terms of dating. It's possible that I contracted the virus in the last year, or I may have had it for up to 12 years. I know it's possible to mistake symptoms for things like ingrown hairs, etc. But I've never had a clear outbreak.

I'd be interested in hearing how others have handled the news with respect to dating. Is it ok to have casual sex without disclosure if we use condoms? This seems like a grey area to me. I know it's possible to shed the virus when there are no symptoms, and condoms don't offer 100% protection. So I don't think I'd feel comfortable having sex without a conversation. But I really don't feel ready to start having that conversation with someone after 3-4 dates. Thoughts, advice?

There is another thread that's pretty much exactly like this that's called "Casual Sex~Is it out of the question?" Read what we've said in that thread but all I can say is if you want to do the right thing, you will not take the risk of infecting someone with this Gosh Awful virus! Always use condoms at the very least! But what is the right thing to do? Tell them.