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Sex Question: Have I Been Exposed to Herpes?

marie claire sex expert logan levkoff

Logan Levkoff

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Q: Can you get herpes if your partner shows no sign of an outbreak?

A: It is estimated that there 45 million people over the age of twelve have genital herpes in the United States. And sadly, it is not only spread when there is an outbreak. It is a highly contagious virus which can be spread even if your partner doesn't present any symptoms (called "asymptomatic shedding"). The good news is that there are suppressive antiviral therapies that reduce the spread of transmission between partners. However, what we do know is that condoms are still the best method of protecting yourself from herpes infection - even though they don't eliminate the risk entirely - correct and consistent condom use can decrease the sexual transmission of skin to skin lesions.


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