Check for it, and make sure the dates are appropriate. Do not hesitate to open a condom package on your own before using one during a sexual encounter. Check to see what a condom looks like, and feels like, and how it unrolls, etc. There is no evidence, at this time, that the standard condom will resist breakage during anal sex. New brands composed of a thicker latex are on the market for this purpose.
Herpes is spread from skin to skin where the infection is located.
Using a condom properly when lesions are not present is excellent advice for anyone, whether they have herpes or not. Although this study design does not allow us to be certain of the percent reduction for all people, it is clear that a very large reduction of shedding should be very commonly expected. Studies against subclinical shedding with the new prodrugs are still underway or are showing very similar results. Details about dosing with these drugs is found later in this information package. We do not know for sure whether reducing subclinical shedding means that transmission will be also reduced.