HSV 2 transmission probability unprotected

One of the primary concerns for individuals living with HSV-2 or those at risk is understanding the transmission probability when engaging in sexual activities without protection.

This article aims to shed light on the factors influencing HSV-2 transmission and the likelihood of spreading the virus when unprotected.

Do condoms prevent HSV-2 transmission?

Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), but they do not provide complete protection.

Why condoms can not provide absolute protection?

While condoms can reduce the risk of HSV-2 transmission, it's important to note that they may not provide absolute protection.

HSV-2 can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by the condom, such as the genital and anal areas.

Condoms are more effective at preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are spread through bodily fluids like semen and vaginal fluids.

The hsv2 virus can be shed even when there are no visible symptoms (asymptomatic shedding), and transmission can occur through contact with the infected skin or mucous membranes.

Effect of Condom Use on Per-act HSV-2 Transmission Risk in HSV-2-discordant Couples

Research indicates that condoms can reduce the risk of transmission by 96% from men to women and 65% from women to men in couples with HSV-2 discordance.

Furthermore, among heterosexual couples abstaining from condom use, there is a 5 to 10% likelihood that an individual with herpes could transmit the infection to their partner within the initial year of their relationship.

The study, which examined the effectiveness of condoms in preventing herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) transmission, revealed a significant decrease in the likelihood of men transmitting the infection to their female partners when condoms were consistently used during sexual intercourse. Women, who are nearly six times more susceptible to acquiring HSV-2 than men, benefit from using condoms more than 25% of the time, offering them a high level of protection against acquiring the virus.

However, men do not experience the same level of protective benefits. Factors such as increased frequency of sexual intercourse, younger age, and having a partner with both herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 contribute to an elevated risk of acquiring HSV-2.

Regularly use condoms vs No Protection Transmission Risk

The effectiveness of condom use in preventing HSV-2 transmission showed gender-specific differences. When analyzed separately for each gender, the rate of HSV-2 transmissions from women to men was 1.7 transmissions per 1000 unprotected acts compared to 0.6 per 1000 protected acts. This indicated a 65% reduction in the per-act probability of transmission from women to men with condom use.

In contrast, from men to women, the rate was 28.5 transmissions per 1000 unprotected acts and 1.3 per 1000 protected acts, resulting in an estimated condom efficacy of 96%.

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