Herpes...

[seattlecpl06]

One more thing; aside from HIV, I don't believe that viral load testing is even performed for most virii (it's very expensive, unless I'm mistaken). This means that when I come up HSV-2 positive, this doesn't necessarily mean that I have herpes. It means that I've been exposed to herpes. If I'm going to be intellectually dishonest, I could use this plus the fact that I almost never have any identifiable outbreaks to convince myself and others that I don't "have" herpes. But since I've clearly been exposed, it's fairer to all concerned if I just say I "have" it and take the responsible safe sex precautions that I know I should be taking anyway.

[Chicup]

Originally Posted by seattlecpl06

We're looking for this same thing, herpescpl. I think most people with the virus are just not honest about it.

To be fair, statistics show that most people who are HSV-2 positive simply don't know that they have it (since for many people, like me, it NEVER produces any symptoms!). Also, since most people (85-90%) are HSV-1, often they think "oh, it's just cold sores. At least I don't have HERPES!" Which, of course, is dead wrong.

Well just a side note, anyone who had chicken pocks had herpes too.

HSV-1 is far far tamer than HSV-2. As you said almost everyone has HSV-1 and they were exposed early in life (in fact today I saw a child with an outbreak). Perhaps that is why HSV-2 is worse as you don't get it until you are an adult (hopefully) so the symptoms are worse but still they share less of their DNA (1 and 2) then we do with apes.

[seattlecpl06]

Interesting; I didn't know about the genetic differences.

Honestly, neither my partner or I have problems with herpes. I can't remember the last time I had an outbreak (literally), and she has maybe one per year. Hardly disfiguring and debilitating. We still want to be honest, but aside from the social stigma it just hasn't affected us much.

[niceNHcouple]

I know condoms are impersonal but I have found some them give almost the same feel as bareback. I sue them when asked cause it is the proper thing to do when you are swinging. We always have some with us.

[seattlecpl06]

niceNH, do you have any recommended brands?

It seems like there's always a tradeoff between finding ones that are sturdy enough to not break, but give any sensation...

I agree; when swinging, we will always use condoms during intercourse.

[niceNHcouple]

I like the Trojan Very Sensitive. I am not condom fan either but they are a necessity sometimes.

[lott]

You can also try okamoto condoms. The beyond seven brand has a skin like feel to them but the crown as well as the beyond seven condoms are both good, strong, thin condoms.

Here's the website:http://okamotousa.com/htmls/beyond_seven.htm

Also make sure to use good lube like sliquid's silk:http://sliquid.com/silk.htm

Here's a tip. use a little bit of lube inside the condom around the penis head this should really make sex feel good when using a good thin condom.

[seattlecpl06]

Well, after doing a fair bit of internet research, it's starting to look like swinging is not an option for the genital herpes positive couple.

Despite the 1 in 5 prevalence of genital herpes, apparently either the swingers population is immune (hah), nobody with HSV-2 swings (maybe), or there are a lot of people out there who are either lying or fooling themselves.

This is going to be a bummer to break to the girl, because she was really excited about the possibility.

[niceNHcouple]

Seattle don't give up. It just takes a bit. We know a couple near us that has HSV-2 and they swing. You just gotta find a couple whom is willing. They are out there.


Irene and Moe

[Marilyn]

Most of the people who know they have herpes are honest. Even you contract herpes from someone irresponsible, you don't have to be irresponsible to other irrelated people. If you have herpes, you'd better join some exclusive herpes community to make friends.

[Marilyn]

I came aross http://437737.vost.com/ by accident, and read this message. Do you think this guy contract herpes?

i had a sexual encounter with a sex worker, there was no vaginal sex, nor did i ever touch her down there. She did give me protected oral (less than a minute), and an unprotected handjob w/ lubricant (although it was a pretty rough handjob). She was naked. I did have occassional penis to breast contact during the experience, but non vaginal. From what i have researched on this site, there is almost a nil chance of getting herpes from a experience like this. But since yesterday morning I have notice NEW flesh colored cluster of bumps on the shaft of my penis, i have had bumps like this before, and always assumed it was eczema. They are not red, and the area is not sensitive, nor does it hurt. They are not pus filled, but are whitish in color. It is hard to notice them unless i stretch the penis. I experience minial buirning when i pee, and i do feel a tingling sensation, but i do not know if that is caused from my extreme anxiety. Is it possible that this looks like herpes?

[athena2910]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

I came aross http://437737.vost.com/ by accident, and read this message. Do you think this guy contract herpes?

i had a sexual encounter with a sex worker, there was no vaginal sex, nor did i ever touch her down there. She did give me protected oral (less than a minute), and an unprotected handjob w/ lubricant (although it was a pretty rough handjob). She was naked. I did have occassional penis to breast contact during the experience, but non vaginal. From what i have researched on this site, there is almost a nil chance of getting herpes from a experience like this. But since yesterday morning I have notice NEW flesh colored cluster of bumps on the shaft of my penis, i have had bumps like this before, and always assumed it was eczema. They are not red, and the area is not sensitive, nor does it hurt. They are not pus filled, but are whitish in color. It is hard to notice them unless i stretch the penis. I experience minial buirning when i pee, and i do feel a tingling sensation, but i do not know if that is caused from my extreme anxiety. Is it possible that this looks like herpes?

It doesn't sound like herpes: more like some sort of skin irritation. But I'd get checked just the same.

Athena

[Hfriends]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

Most of the people who know they have herpes are honest. Even you contract herpes from someone irresponsible, you don't have to be irresponsible to other irrelated people. If you have herpes, you'd better join some exclusive herpes community to make friends.

Do you know any such community?

[Hfriends]

Just searched on google, there are many such sites. Not sure which is better.

[rduelist]

Look through all these threads and you will see several mentioned. The Yahoo group Herpes Swingers is fairly large, and we have met several nice couples from there.