Can I get affected with genital herpes from my boyfriend?

Resolved question:

Hello doctor, I am a 21 years old lady. I have a boyfriend and we plan to have sex this weekend. He told me that he has got genital herpes. He has got it about 1-2 years ago. I read that herpes is a highly transmitted disease through sexual contact. Is there a chance that I can get herpes from him? What are the ways to prevent getting affected? Will using condoms help? What are the treatment options available, in case I got affected with herpes from him? Please help.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert:  Dr. Steve Merris replied 4 Days.

Thanks for your question and concern. HSV infection or genital herpes infection is of two types- type1 and type 2. Of these, type I herpes virus is transmitted through saliva and affects facial parts like mouth lips etc. The second type of HSV, herpes type 2 affects genital parts of human body and is transmitted primarily through sexual contact. If your boyfriend has got type 1 infection, possibility of getting infected is high. However, chances of getting infected with type 2 virus is less, comparably, provided you use barrier methods for sex, like condoms. Hope I have answered your query well. Take care.

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