[Question #7171] Does my partner hav to hav contact with my infected area to catch hv2

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59 months ago
Genital herpes 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
59 months ago
Yes, they do.  Is that your full question?

Terri
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59 months ago
I am a heterosexual male but I hav a few outbreaks a year at the top of my butt crack.  I take valacyclovir for suppressive Therapy also. But I was very curious if my partner would hav to come in contact with the infected area on my but to become infected 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
58 months ago
ooooh, OK, I'm glad you clarified that and it changes my answer.  So have you had this outbreak confirmed as HSV 2 by a swab or antibody test?
People who have outbreaks on the buttocks or gluteal cleft, as you do, also shed virus intermittently from the genitals, so you could be infectious via intercourse.  So for the greatest protection against infecting your partner, you should add condoms to your sexual routine.

Terri
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