Perhaps a downer of a topic, but: As far as I can tell from reading CDC, herpes spreads even with condom use. I would fear that in this multiple-partner community, it would be fairly rampant.  It's not exactly a disease I wish to acquire.  Comments? (Other than the obvious the hobby has risks; herpes is indeed bad; etc.). So I guess: Insights?

You are kinda tying our hands here bro. You said you read the the gumint report. Then you say dont tell you the obvious that there are risks for fucking sex workers. What else is left to say? Get the latest subscription of Beaver Hunt and rub one out. Seriously man, you gotta determine if this game is right for you. Doesnt sound it to me though.  

If you dont wanna drown, dont go swimming. Dont wanna die mountain climbing, stay off the rock. Dont want any chance of getting the herp? Stay clear of the pussy. Just sayin'.

Herpes Simplex-2 (i.e. genital herpes) can be spread through skin to skin contact, but only if the virus is being shed by the infected person. How do you tell if the virus is being shed? You can't. However, it is more  likely to happen when there are active sores present. Transmission is much more common when there is direct contact between fragile skin (i.e. genitalia) with microscopic cuts.

Chances of shedding are reduced by use of anti-herpes drugs, like acyclovir. If you want to be really paranoid, you could take this prophylactically (i.e. before a session), as it might reduce your chances of becoming infected if you have the misfortune of being exposed to the virus.

HSV-2 is extremely common. It is estimated that about 1/5 Americans has it. However, only 25% of people who have it know that they are infected. So yes, you are right to be taking this issue seriously.

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