Can condoms prevent herpes?

Herpes is still contagious when no symptoms are present. As a general rule, the area covered by boxer shorts is a potential transmission point. Use condoms wisely. Condoms can cut the risk of transmitting herpes by half. Since the virus sheds outside the vagina or anal area, experts advise wearing a condom during genital touching or foreplay. read more

It’s commonly known that condoms reduce the risk of transmission of STIs like HIV by a large margin. This is probably why many people assume the same about condoms for genital herpes. Unfortunately, genital herpes is more tricky. Condoms don’t prevent herpes transmission as well as they prevent other STIs, but studies show they reduce the risk. read more

July 13, 2009 -- Condom use reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of contracting genital herpes, according to a new review of research. Researchers found consistent condom users have about a 30% lower risk of contracting genital herpes than those who never used condoms. read more