About to consummate relationship w/ HSV1 pos partner

[billoverbeck]

I have been in a non-physical relationship with a woman for about a year now, and we've decided to take the relationship to the next level. She has tested positive for genital hsv-1. I have never shown symptoms or been tested genitally. I did have cold sores on my lips from time to time when I was a teenager (sometimes several in an outbreak).

Am I to understand this means I'm likely positive for oral hsv1 and would be very resistant to contracting it genitally from her? In all honesty I would really like to forego the condoms if the transmission risk is minimal. She can't have children so pregnancy isn't an issue.

[gracefromHHP]

definitely talk to her about this. find out what testing she had done.  also ask her how often she gets recurrences too.

both of you should be screened for hsv2 and other std's before starting to have unprotected sex to cover your bases.

grace

[billoverbeck]

I don't know how her hsv1 was confirmed.

Thank you for the response

[petal130]

I assume her genital HSV1 was confirmed by a swab/culture as opposed to a blood test?

If indeed you have oral HSV1 and she has genital HSV1, then you both have it and therefore no precautions need to be taken. Just avoid sex during an outbreak (although she may never have one again).

You should both also consider being tested for HSV2 - having HSV1 does not protect you from getting HSV2 (and, if you've never been tested for it, don't assume anything)...