That dude sounds like an idiot. I’d encourage him to go on a date with Pamela Handerson.

That is a gawd awful idea and agree with @Seek ‘s assessment of him. I can’t begin to fathom anyone thinking getting herpes on just “the goods” is somehow better than getting “everything that lies beneath” infected. Both of you are in serious need of how to live with herpes counseling.

I think he’s talking about using a condom and wearing underpants as well.

He needs to research his STDs, and the OP needs to find an adult to date.

Yes, he means to wear a condom to protect his penis and the fabric to protect his scrotum and the surrounding area. It’s a valid concern, since condoms only protect the penis, and the location of my outbreaks would indeed endanger the area below it. Yes, it’s annoying that this partner is not throwing caution to the wind, but his concern is real. He’s not someone who sleeps around and I don’t blame him for not wanting to get it.

The questions I am asking are “Have any women tried this?” and “Is it uncomfortable?” I’d appreciate relevant answers based on experience, not commentary on how I’m managing my health, thanks!

I’m not a woman, but I’ve had sex with my boxers on. It was one of those “rip off clothes and start as soon as you possibly can” things, though, and not a conscious effort to stay clothed. So I think the reason it was great was because of how in the moment it was. I doubt I’d want to do it regularly, and I’m sure my wife wouldn’t either.

As for the genital herpes, there are other options. You’re most at risk of being contagious during an outbreak, so you could avoid sexual activities that involve your genitals during those times. A lot of people do that to prevent spreading the disease. Your partner could also accept the fact that herpes is not that big a deal. Somewhere between 50 and 80 percent of people who have it don’t even realize it because their symptoms are mild or non-existent. Maybe have him read this article (and read it yourself if you are suffering from the main symptoms of herpes: undue shame and isolation).

No, that would be like pissing out of a trouser pocket while whistling dixie

Thanks @JeSuisRickSpringfield! I’ll check out the article; I’ve done a ton of research and have come to realize how not a big deal it is, and most of my partners are easily convinced that they probably won’t get it and even if they do it barely matters. I’ve written some of my own articles on the matter! This guy’s different than the others because he just got out of a very long relationship and wasn’t very promiscuous before that, so he’s wet behind the ears when it comes to this kind of thing. Your boxer-sex sounds hot!

Certainly a lot of the romance and sexuality will be lost.

I think once in the spare of the moment I pulled them down to boink her in a stairwell, and once she pulled her panties aside when we boinked in the car, but never as you described and certainly not for that reason.

I am not a doctor, but I have serious doubts the underwear provides any protection (and may actually trap the virus against his skin if the fabric gets wet—possibly INCREASING the risk of transmission). He may be able to get a sheet of latex to cover his scrotum/mons pubis area in addition to a condom, but I don’t know for certain if that’s recommended.

Best practice would be to avoid sex during an active breakout. I’ve had oral herpes my whole life and I never kiss or go down on my girlfriend if I’m symptomatic, or I feel the “tingle” in my lips that happens before an outbreak.

I’ve pulled my junk through the boxers before plenty of times for sex, or sexual acts. It’s especially useful if it’s cold where you are. Keeps my balls from flailing as bad, come to think of it. Like a sports bra for a female jogger.

It should be irrelevant in STD defense.