Do condoms protect from herpes?

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. Even some protection is better than none. 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

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. Even some protection is better than none. read more

Using condoms for more than 25% of sex acts was associated with a decreased risk of HSV-2 acquisition (0.3); however, when the data were analyzed by gender, condom use was highly protective for women (0.1) but had no significant effect for men. read more