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During the waiting period
As I've explained on another post, had a sexual encounter with my girlfriend on Saturday night into Sunday morning (3AM) only for her to wake up the next day with tingling and the beginnings of a cold sore, which ultimately went full blown physical cold sore some hours later.
I've been told on here and elsewhere it's basically a waiting game. Questions during this waiting period:
1. Can we have sex without concern of any (further?) transmission if we just leave her mouth/lips out of the sexual encounter? Without knowing if she transferred HSV-1 to me on Saturday, we've been avoiding any sexual contact since.
2. How long will it take to be fully confident her current sore is clear (she is taking antivirals) and we can resume full contact?
3. We've been told to avoid sharing pillow cases, towels, utensils, etc. What risks are involved if we sleep together (same bed)? Our understanding is HSV-1 predominantly passes through heavy kissing and mucous membranes. Not sure about touching other items and it transferring.
Thanks, FeelingUndone and any others.
I've been told on here and elsewhere it's basically a waiting game. Questions during this waiting period:
1. Can we have sex without concern of any (further?) transmission if we just leave her mouth/lips out of the sexual encounter? Without knowing if she transferred HSV-1 to me on Saturday, we've been avoiding any sexual contact since.
2. How long will it take to be fully confident her current sore is clear (she is taking antivirals) and we can resume full contact?
3. We've been told to avoid sharing pillow cases, towels, utensils, etc. What risks are involved if we sleep together (same bed)? Our understanding is HSV-1 predominantly passes through heavy kissing and mucous membranes. Not sure about touching other items and it transferring.
Thanks, FeelingUndone and any others.
I'll get right to your questions.
1. Yes you can resume your normal sexual practices minus the oral sex (receptive but you can give it) and kissing.
2. When the sore is scabbed over and healing you can be confident the virus has retreated. Now you may wait until it's close to fully healed as it will be more appealing.
3. While the cold sore is fresh and active I would avoid sharing spoons and the like. It is very low risk but better to be safe. Past that you needn't worry. Feel free to share the same bed. You can cuddle and even sleep on the same pillow. The idea of this type of activity giving you hsv is not realistic at all.
You are correct on how hsv is spread. Touching items and transferring is not going to happen unless it something like chapstick or an eating utensil that rubs across the lips.
1. Yes you can resume your normal sexual practices minus the oral sex (receptive but you can give it) and kissing.
2. When the sore is scabbed over and healing you can be confident the virus has retreated. Now you may wait until it's close to fully healed as it will be more appealing.
3. While the cold sore is fresh and active I would avoid sharing spoons and the like. It is very low risk but better to be safe. Past that you needn't worry. Feel free to share the same bed. You can cuddle and even sleep on the same pillow. The idea of this type of activity giving you hsv is not realistic at all.
You are correct on how hsv is spread. Touching items and transferring is not going to happen unless it something like chapstick or an eating utensil that rubs across the lips.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
