Minimizing the risk of herpes transmission: Herpes is most contagious during an outbreak, however it can be spread even when no symptoms are present if the virus is active on the skin, but asymptomatic. This is called asymptomatic shedding. Though asymptomatic shedding occurs only several days each year, it is impossible to know which days it occurs. The surest way to prevent (or diminish) the spread of herpes to is to avoid sexual contact during an outbreak, and to use condoms and/or dental dams during sexual contact between outbreaks. Suppressive antiviral therapy also helps reduce the risk of infecting a partner by decreasing the frequency and duration of outbreaks.
Remember, minimizing the risk of herpes transmission cannot guarentee that the herpes virus won't be transmitted. What you are learning is simply ways to engage in safer sex, not a guarantee of blocking herpes transmission.
This tip was written by a certified sex therapist and developed for Sex Therapy in Philadelphia / Center for Growth. To schedule an appointment - just call.