"Can I get herpes Type 2 on my lips if I give my girlfriend unprotected oral sex?"
Yes. This type of herpes virus does not descriminate with regard to location.

"How long after I get exposed will it take for the herpes to show up?"
If you were exposed to herpes the incubation time is 2-10 days before the onset of symptoms but symptoms can present up to 3 weeks later.

"When is my girlfriend not contagious so it is safe to have unprotected sex?"
The question deals with the likely hood of 'shedding' the virus even when clinical signs might be absent. Tests for viral shedding can be positive in 2 to 7% of the time when there are no symptoms in the first year after an outbreak and 1 to 3% of asymptomatic periods in the years after this. This means that you can never be 100% sure that there is no virus present.

"Can I still have normal children if I get genital herpes?"
Yes. It is important to get counseling with your partner's gynecologist and have a frank discussion with that physician before attempting to conceive to assure the lowest risk. Babies born with congenital herpes face significant health problems and there are ways to avoid this by strategizing and planning the time of conception, going on antiviral medication and being very aware of all the signs of an outbreak.

"I think I had herpes and my girlfriend says she is pregnant now. What should I do?"
If your partner becomes pregnant and you know you have had an outbreak at the time of intercourse you need to let her gynecologist know immediately. Regardless of any decision you or your partner may make with regard to starting a family together, this is important information for her health and the health of the developing baby.

"Is there a treatment for this?"
Prescription antiviral medications include; Valtrex, acyclovir and Famvir. Zovirax ointment is also available.

"What about Blistex?"
This over the counter treatment may work on type 1 oral herpes to lessen symptoms but is not a true antiviral and is not indicated for use on the penis or vaginal labia.

"Can I go on a medication to prevent this from happening again?"
There are daily prophylactic medication regimens for some people with multiple outbreaks (more than 6 in a year) but you need to discuss this strategy with your health professional.

"How do doctors test for herpes Type 2?"
There is an antibody blood test or a direct viral culture can be taken of the herpes lesion itself.