So...HSV2 is the second version of Herpes! There are multiple versions of herpes, but HSV1 and HSV2 are the main ones you can get sexually. HSV2 can be confused with HSV1, since you can catch both genitally. HSV2 though, can be way more severe than HSV1. The outbreaks can be more frequent, have more sores, and be way more painful.
I'm still terrified of HSV2 because of that, but I want to use links from MdHelp docs' answers, to show people it doesn't have to be a huge worry:
Question from MedHelp: Possible HSV-2 Exposure
And the doctor's answer from the Expert forum:
First, the average transmission risk for genital HSV-2, when one partner is known to be infected, is under 1 in 1,000 for each epsiode of unprotected sex. Your risk probably is lower than that, since the unprotected exposure, after condom breakage, was brief. (In monogamous couples in which one person has HSV-2 and the other does not, who take no precautions against transmission, on average the infection is transmitted in only 5% per year, i.e. 1 in 20 couples -- and half of all partners never catch it.
And how long to wait to see symptoms:
Onset of initial genital herpes usually is 3-5 days after exposure. It can take 10 days and rarely up to 3 weeks. At 7 days you are pretty much out of the woods on this, although you'll have to be on the alert for another two weeks. 3) The initial symptoms usually are red bumps, which within 1-2 days turn into blister-like lesions with clear fluid, which then evolve over a few days into superficial pimples (with pus), then scabs, and then heal over 10-20 days.
I thought his answer was so cool. This is from back in 2010 so some information could be slightly different now. Still, to think the risk from catching it is so low from unprotected sex is incredible to me.
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