How to protect myself from gf's genital herpes?

we've been dating for two months, and have yet to be intimate. she recently told me that she has herpes is on valtrex. I care about her a lot and would like to be able to work around this.

What can I do to to prevent myself from getting herpes? I know it's an obvious answer, but there are conflicting answers everywhere on the web. Also, is there a safe way for me to perform oral sex on her? Thank you for any answers.

First of all, thank you for not rejecting your girlfriend. Our biggest fear, as sufferers from genital herpes, is being rejected because of our disease. Good for you for wanting to learn more, and protect yourself, as opposed to running away. You're a gem.

There are three or four things that you can do.

First, never ever ever have sex when she is having an outbreak, or when she thinks she might be coming down with an outbreak, or when she is recovering from an outbreak.

Second, wear a condom during sex. This won't provide 100% protection, but it does reduce the likelihood of infection somewhat.

Third, she should continue to use Valtrex as a suppressive therapy. This will cut YOUR chances of infection more than in half.

(By the way, a study shows that if you do these three things, you're chances of catching herpes from her are less than 1% per year. I've put a link to that study below.)

Finally, you should realize that living a full, adventurous life involves at least some small amount of risk. If you want to be 100% confident that you will not catch herpes, then do not have sex. Ever. All sex - and all of life - involves balancing risk and reward.

As for oral sex, the only completely safe way would be to use a barrier (dental dam or even saran wrap) between your mouth and her genitals. Personally, I just love oral sex too much to do without it ever, or to use a dental dam. So I honestly wouldn't worry about it. It is possible to catch her herpes in your mouth, but as long as she is on Valtrex and is careful to avoid any sexual activity during an outbreak, your chances are not very high of getting HSV2 on your mouth. It's possible, certainly. But not super-likely. But you get to make your own decision on that one.

For more details on herpes transmission, protection, etc. I strongly recommend the web site below. They also have a toll-free (in the US) hotline if you want to speak with a real person.

Good luck.

herpes is spread through dead skin cells and you might get it when your partner is not showing any signs of an outbreak for more information watch talk sex with sue its on oxygen channel very interesting and true. or go to talksexwithsue.com

one way is to not have any kind of sex while she has an outbreak. if she doesn't have one your chances of getting herpes is reduced but there is still a 2% chance that u ould get herpes even when there is no outbreak. it is even further reduced when she if taking valtrex regularally since that suppresses the virus and helps to prevent outbreaks. condoms are not all that effective against herpes either since they don't cover all areas that herpes can come into contact with. there are dental dams available i think that would help. i have also heard of people using saran wrap but not the micorwaveable kind.

You can use what is called a dental dam. which is a thin layer of latex. Remember that even when a person is not experiencing a breakout you can get herpes.