Prevent transmission of herpes to partners if you are positive

Sexual relationship is one of the important foundations in domestic harmony. However, it might be a little more complicated if one partner has a sexually transmitted disease. The reason is, sexual activity is the main intermediary for the transmission of the infection. So, if your wife or husband is diagnosed with genital herpes, make sure that you know clearly how to prevent transmission of genital herpes through safe sex.

Be aware of the effects of ping pong on venereal diseases on husband and wife

The ping pong effect is the term used when a wife's genital disease is transmitted to her husband from unprotected sex. Or vice versa, from the husband and then "passed" to the wife. It doesn't matter who actually caught the disease and passed it on first. From the wife, the disease can be transmitted back to the husband. Then and so on, just like playing ping pong where you only pass the ball to one another.

It is very easy for the genital herpes virus to pass from the genitals of a person with herpes to the genitals of healthy people. Because of this, unprotected penetration of the penis-to-vagina with an infected person can increase the risk of transmitting herpes to other people.

Not only will the disease-causing virus or bacteria spread to other people, this effect can also exacerbate the symptoms of the partner who has been exposed to it first so that it slows down the healing process, if he is being treated. Even though the treatment is complete, one other person still has the disease without realizing it, which can easily return to the person who has recovered.

So, first talk about your illness to your partner

You have to be honest if you have herpes with your sex partners. It may be difficult to be open about your illness with your partner. However, it is very important for both of you to share with each other about each other's sexual history. This will help both of you think of the best solution for safe sex.

You can also consult a doctor to ask for advice on what you should do and avoid in having sex. This effort is made so that you and your partner can still enjoy sex even though they are tested positive for infection and as much as possible do not pass it on to a healthy partner.

How do you prevent sex transmission of herpes?

Genital herpes is a venereal disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). The main intermediary for the transmission of genital herpes from one person to another is through direct contact with the herpes rash on the patient's skin and sexual fluids, such as semen or vaginal fluids from unsafe sexual activity. Oral sex can also be an intermediary for disease transmission, if the partner also has oral herpes.

However, you can still have sex. Even so, there are a number of things that you need to pay close attention to and apply more carefully to prevent transmission of herpes.

The following are things you should do and avoid in having sex with a partner if you have herpes:

1. Always use condoms

Condoms are the best protection against the transmission of venereal diseases. Using a condom will reduce the risk of passing herpes on to your partner. Remember, choose a condom made from latex and make sure you understand how to use the correct condom to avoid the condom coming off in the vagina or the condom tearing in the middle of sex.

Condoms are also mandatory during oral sex if one partner has genital herpes. The reason is, the herpes simplex virus can also be spread through oral sex. This venereal disease can manifest as genital sores / warts or sores and canker sores around the lips and mouth. If your male partner has genital herpes and he receives oral sex from you, the herpes virus in his penis can move to your mouth.

Vice versa. If you receive oral sex from a female partner who has oral herpes, the virus in her mouth can transfer to your genitals. Also consider using dental dams when giving oral sex to a female partner for the same reason.

2. Not having sex when the herpes symptoms appear

If you have genital sores and you feel the symptoms, then you should not have vaginal sex, anal sex, and receive oral sex, either penis, vagina, or anus.

You may be able to give oral sex to a partner, as long as you don't have cold sores in your mouth. alternatively, you can try to masturbate together. This activity does not pose a risk because you do not touch your partner at all. You can do this together facing each other.

But remember, wash your hands with soap and warm water afterward. Do not touch your partner's body or genitals if you have touched an infected part of your body.

3. Do not use

It is unlikely that you will catch herpes through the use of sex toys, because the virus will die quickly when it touches the surface of objects. However, if used alternately in one sex session, this will increase the chance of spreading the virus. This is because sex toy You and your partner are still very wet covered with body fluids such as sperm, saliva (saliva), or vaginal lubricants. It is easier for the herpes virus to survive in a humid environment.

So, each partner should have their own sex toys. Don't use one sex toy at a time. If you really want to be like that, first wash it thoroughly with soap and hot water. Then dry thoroughly.

4. Choose a vaginal lubricant wisely

A water-based vaginal lubricant is the best choice because it won't break the condom material when there is friction during sex. Do not use oil-based lubricants, as they can damage the latex.

Also, do not use lubricants that contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Nonoxynol-9 can irritate the inner walls of the genitals which can cause the herpes virus to enter the body more easily.

5. Joint venereal disease test

It is not enough if you go to the doctor alone. Your partner should also be examined, even if he or she is not experiencing any symptoms yet. Intimate relationship involves two people, so examination and treatment of venereal diseases should also involve two people.

For that, when you are paired and diagnosed with venereal disease, you should do a venereal disease test together. That way, you can prevent transmission of herpes and at the same time avoid the risk of ping pong effects.

6. Go to a doctor about herpes you have

Ask your doctor whether you can get antiviral drug therapy for herpes. A recent study shows that taking retroviral medication every day can help prevent transmission of herpes. However, you still have to use a condom during sex because this therapy is only 50% effective in preventing transmission.

Talk to your doctor if you have any doubts about which one is safe and what is not safe to do in sexual intercourse.

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