Genital ulcer diseases can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected. Since a condom may not cover all infected areas, even correct and consistent use of latex condoms cannot guarantee protection from genital herpes.
Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with uninfected partners when lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms he or she can still infect sex partners. Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected. Sex partners can seek testing to determine if they are infected with HSV. A positive HSV-2 blood test most likely indicates a genital herpes infection.
Female Herpes Outbreak
Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 20 days of infection. For those with symptoms, outbreaks may occur frequently during the first few years after infection. As time goes by, these outbreaks are likely to become less common.
Male Herpes Outbreak
When transmitted through oral sex, a herpes infection can be passed both ways - from mouth to genitals, or from genitals to mouth. The herpes virus is not spread through shared toilet seats, swimming pools, hot tubs or bathtubs.
