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How do you protect yourself from herpes not on the penis?Dear Sex Doc, What do you recommend for protection in the case of confirmed genital herpes that is not on the penis (but in the groin area) and the female partner is negative. Are there any products such as polyurethane shorts? Herpes Help
Dear Herpes Help,
You are most likely already aware, but a non-genital herpes outbreak is just as contagious as one on the genitals. Experts generally suggest avoiding sexual contact during an outbreak. The virus is most contagious during this time. Further, the rubbing from sexual activity makes it more difficult for the outbreak to heal. It is generally recommended not to have sex from the time the infected partner feels the onset of the outbreak. The first sign is generally a tingling or burning sensation in the area of the outbreak. In addition, herpes is contagious even when there is no outbreak. The virus can be spread through asymptomatic shedding. So you and your partner need to always use some type of protection in the area of the outbreak(s). To my knowledge, there are no specific products on the market that have been designed to protect people from non-genital transmission of viral sexually transmitted infections. That being said, you do have a few options. There are a number of latex shorts available that could work well. They are generally for people with latex fetishes, however, since the men’s shorts can have a hole or a space for the penis (and sometimes the testicles) to go through they will work well for this type of situation. There are many styles available including boxer-style or cycling shorts. You could also place a dental dam on the infected area as a means of protection. A dental dam is a latex or polyurethane rectangular sheet usually about 6” by 8”. Either you or your partner would have to hold it in place or you could gently tape the corners so it’s hands-free. If don’t have access to dental dams you could make your own with a condom by taking off the ring and making a seam down the middle. Best regards, Dr. Brian ParkerThis article was published on Sunday 16 March, 2008. |
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