The first thing to know about sex with herpes is that herpes can be and is spread through sexual intercourse. Though herpes is most likely to be spread when there is an outbreak occurring, testing has demonstrated that herpes can be spread even when no outbreak is visible: this occurs through viral shedding. The use of a condom during sexual intercourse is considered effective protection against the spread of a herpes infection presuming the condom provides a barrier against the herpes infected area of the body. Sex with herpes in cases where both partners are herpes infected will typically not result in new herpes infections: the presence of herpes antibodies in herpes infected persons protects against future infections occurring. Having sexual intercourse with someone who has herpes is not either a guarantee of herpes infection, nor a guarantee that infection will not occur. Simply stated, the risk for infection exists. The person who is uninfected must weigh the risk versus the realities of herpes infection, and come to their own conclusions about how to proceed.