tested positive for HSV 1 genitally

[confused246]

About 2 days after my period ended my husband and I were about to have sex but I experienced pain down there. Two days later he checked me and found blisters so we went to the doctor. She gave me a 10 day prescription for Valtrex and the blisters and pain went away within about 7 days. Within this time my test results came back positive for HSV 1 in my genital area. How could I have contracted this? Is it possible to have gotten it besides orally? Neither my husband nor I have a history of cold sores (in fact I don't recall either one of us every having any) and we have been together for nearly 10 years. There is no breach of loyalty between us so I know that neither one of us has ever cheated on the other. ANY help on this would be great. Thank you for your response!

[gracefromHHP]

Oh no - do not give up oral sex dear!!!!   It's not an issue as long as you don't have any obvious genital symptoms going on.

You didn't give yourself hsv1 genitally thru forgetting to wash your hands - it's just not that easy.

grace

[confused246]

Can we still have oral sex then just as long as there are no symptoms? Or would you recommend dropping it entirely. What would you do?

Also, I just thought of this.... I work with the developmentally disabled population. Generally before using the restroom I'll wash my hands just to make sure I'm clean. But if one of the clients used my pen and then I used it then forgot to wash my hands before using the restroom, and I itched myself while using the restroom, could I have transmitted it to myself that way?

[gracefromHHP]

Unless you get an obvious cold sore to know that you also have it orally, no way to know if you do or not. what few studies we do have on it show that anywhere from 1/4 to 2/3's of folks who have hsv1 genitally, also contracted it orally around the same time. Since most folks who have hsv1 orally aren't getting obvious cold sores to know that they are infected, no easy way to know this.  In this relationship, it's not an issue since your partner most likely also has hsv1 orally and transmitted it to your genital area thru oral sex.  You both have it, it's not a problem. just avoid sex anytime you have obvious genital symptoms to err on the side of caution.

grace

[confused246]

I can't tell you for sure but I'm pretty certain that that occurred.

So then are you saying that the culture swab is most likely accurate? If so, is it possible for me to contract it orally also or will it just stay in the genital region?

[gracefromHHP]

Most adults have hsv1 orally whether they get obvious cold sores to know it or not. it's incredibly common.  

Did you by chance receive oral sex within 2-3 weeks of your symptoms?

grace

[confused246]

They did a culture swab and a urinalysis test. About a week later I went back for my results and that's when she told me. My husband will be going to the doctor next week.

[gracefromHHP]

how did they test you for herpes?

has your hubby had a type specific herpes igg blood test done yet?

grace

[confused246]

Oh I forgot to mention, even though my husband penetrated me that night, he appears to not have any symptoms. I recall the doctor stating that due to the open blisters he most likely would show symptoms but after about 7 days or so. It has now been about 16 days and still he appears to be free and clear (thank God!). Could the test be incorrect and I DON'T have HSV 1 but just a rash or something?