Can my outbreaks trigger his or vice versa?

[unbreakable]

In a relationship, both HSV positive. One of us caught it from the other so it’s the very same kind of virus. 

I understand that viral shedding is more severe during outbreaks, but can it cause an outbreak in the other person if we have unprotected sex? I’m under a lot of stress at work so my immune system is weaker than his, I have outbreaks more often but I don’t want him to miss out on sex (also I don’t want to miss out either). One time he felt irritation on his skin after trying, so it’s probably not a good idea. But maybe it was for other reasons, bodies are complex things. What’s your experience?

[LotusBud]

Hi @unbreakable

You don't say what flavor of hsv you have. If it's hsv2, you may have more outbreaks simply because you are a woman. hsv2 finds warm, moist environments more congenial. It's why the transmission rate from male to female is 14%, but female to male is 4% (unprotected, no meds.)

I was with my partner for 3 years after he gave me hsv2. I didn't notice that sex brought on an outbreak for either of us. I would think it's very possible tho, just because the skin its thin and sensitive in the genital area. 

Good luck!