Can you give it to yourself?

[duckylucky]

Can someone explain the difference in symptoms (if any) between HSV-1 or 2 in the genital area?

This is what I was told:   HSV-1 is happens above the waist but can be gotten genitally as well.
and HSV-2 only happens to the genitals.

Do they differ in severity?  Does the rash look different?

Here's a thought.........if HSV-1 comes from saliva - mouth to genital contact - could one infect themselves by moistening their hand with saliva before masturbation?

I'm dumbfounded.  I got an HSV-1 positive lesion in my groin  - first time ever - no sex in months with anyone .......but ME!

Any thoughts?

[gracefromHHP]

No you did not give yourself hsv1 genitally.  Even though you assume this is a newly acquired infection - it evidently is just your first obvious recurrence of your hsv1 genital infection from a prior infection.  I assume you've received oral sex at some point in the past?  Most of us have and most hsv1 infections are transmitted to the genital area thru oral sex.  

Hsv1 orally has little to do with sex and nothing to do with virginity. About 60% of adults in the US alone have hsv1 orally. About 20% or so of us get it from family members and caretakers and playmates before we ever even step foot into kindergarten. It's THAT common.  you get it from kissing when you are an adult.  

Also to correct your original thread - both hsv1 and hsv2 can infect both the oral and/or the genital areas. They both have their perfered places to infect but both can infect either area.  

So what do you do now? well if you haven't already - be sure to take the time to read the herpes handbook. It covers both hsv1 and hsv2 genitally. www.westoverheights.com is the website.  It gives the info you need to know about your genital hsv1 infection.  As for future partners - ask them to get tested for herpes too. I fthey have hsv2 - you can still contract that which is likely to result in more frequent ob's for you.  If they have hsv1 themselves - even less risk of transmitting your hsv1 to them.

grace

[duckylucky]

Wow!  I just think this whole thing is so unfair!  You behave yourself and still you have to defend your reputation.

It's strange how when I mentioned this to my doctor she wouldn't commit herself to saying you could give it to yourself - She just maintained that I probably had it for years - from God knows who or where - and that even though it's Herpes 1 - it's still genital Herpes.

AND - she asked me to come in for counseling about safe sex, etc.  Honestly, I thought I WAS practicing safe sex.  How much safer can you get than masturbating?

It really blows my mind.  But ESPECIALLY in your case!!  I did have 3 children and a couple of boyfriends since my divorce 10 years ago.  You're a virgin and can STILL get this!!

What did your doctor have to say about that?

[CharlieC]

yea I've never had a cold sore in my life either and I just found out I had oral HSV-1 after I started feeling some symptoms of burning around my mouth and had to get a blood test since I had no visible cold sores, and they say it takes about 3 months for it to show up on a blood test after transmission so I think I might have had this for a loooooooong time and not even know it till recently. I'm a virgin too so I'm proof you don't have to be sexually active to get this.

[duckylucky]

Well, I was never tested for Herpes 1 in the mouth - and I've never had a cold sore in my life!  I've never had any indication that I had herpes of any kind - and I haven't had sex in many months.  

Ironically, I masturbated within 20 days of this "episode" and had a relatively mild outbreak - also ironically - on only the left side of my genitals - which is kind of
shingles-like.

The doctor got the positive HSV-1 from culturing the pimple.  Even the pimples didn't look like the pics on the websites?!!

I thought they were mistaken.  But if they got a + test, I guess I've got to accept it- even though I really find it hard to believe.

As far as "rare" goes - I think the medical community has no idea how rare or common certain things - like this - are.

Hey, if you and I can spread something like this to ourselves - not even knowing we had anything - then I guess the whole world must be harboring some kind of virus or infection just waiting to happen in a weird way.  I just HATE the stigma that goes with all of this.  I'm not at all promiscuous and think that's an unfair assumption on society's part.

[CharlieC]

So you already have HSV-1 orally? How long you have it? and just recently got it on your genitals? You and me seem to be in the same situation. I was diagnosed with HSV-1 orally about 3 months ago. Then 2 months ago I masturbated and 2 days later I felt extreme pain on the tip of my penis which has been going on and off even till now and been getting itching sensations on my testicles these past few weeks as well. I got an appointment with a urologist next week, so helpfully I can get some answers to see if it is HSV-1 genitally that I spread myself to or some fungal or bacteria infection. The only problem with me is that I dont get cold sore lesions so I can't really tell by looking at it since it just looks a little red. I heard its possible to spread it to other body parts but its rare and should wash your hands with soap and water if you touch your cold sores. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, Grace and Slacker are more informed on this matter, they can help you.