Condoms - Herpes Message Board

bobhogan · 03-25-2003, 07:52 AM

Just exactly how much protection does a condom provide a penis from Herpes?

justnotfair · 03-25-2003, 08:59 AM

For men, it protects just the area the the condom covers. Any skin exposed (scrotum, inner buttocks, side of legs etc) could potentially be susceptible to the virus. Herpes is trasferred from skin to skin contact. I hear there are certain spermicides that kill the herpes virus, but the lengths and time and effectiveness I'm unsure of. It also is killed when exposed to air.

Definitely seek more indepth answers from other board members and doctors.

[This message has been edited by justnotfair (edited 03-26-2003).]

TheOneInFour · 03-25-2003, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by justnotfair:
For men, it protects just the area the the condom covers. Any skin exposed (scrotum, inner buttocks, side of legs etc) could potentially be susceptible to the virus. Herpes is trasferred from skin to skin contact. I hear there are certain spermicides that kill the herpes virus, but the lengths and time and effectiveness I'm unsure of. I think KY can kill the herpes virus too. It also is killed when exposed to air.

Definitely seek more indepth answers from other board members and doctors.

JNF, I've never heard that KY has any effect on HSV. Do you remember where you heard that? I too have heard that some spermacides may hinder the virus, but I believe I've also read that it shouldn't be relied on to do this. It may be a bonus in a protection strategy (like protecting against HIV too) but should not be assumed to to be a major factor in it.

It's true that condoms offer only very limited protection against herpes transmission, for exactly the reasons you give.

TheOneInFour

justnotfair · 03-26-2003, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheOneInFour:
JNF, I've never heard that KY has any effect on HSV. Do you remember where you heard that?

This was such a long time ago and I believe it was off of a website. I did some searches after I posted and didn't see much information that supported that claim. Its probably better to just disregard that statement. Nonetheless, I had my doubts about the effectiveness of spermicides; even moreso concerning does it wear down as activity and sweat continue during relations.

Thinking about the easiness to transmit the disease (or any other for that matter) can be a bit scary. I guess the only methods to ensure safety is abstinence, condoms, and/or avoid contact during attacks.

TickledPeenk · 03-26-2003, 05:32 PM

While condoms do help protect you, they offer very little protection, especially for males. The reason for this, is because herpes outbreaks in women are generally outside of their vagina, the places that your pubic region and scrotum come in contact with during intercourse, and where condoms don't cover.
I'm not sure if you know that your partner has herpes or if you're just curious, or whatever. But if your partner is on daily supressive therapy, the risk that you'll get it from her can be decreased dramatically, especially if you use condoms as well. Of course, it's never 100% unless you practice abstinence.
But also keep in mind that as many as 1 out of 5 adults have genital herpes. And that you can also contract HSV type 1 from receiving oral sex from someone who has had cold sores, even if they don't have visable cold sores anymore.