HSV Type 1 Test Result

I'm a 35 year old male who started dating a woman several months ago. We've been having regular, unprotected sex and oral sex.

Somewhat belatedly, I ordered a full battery of STD tests to make sure I was "clean" for her. With the exception of regular HIV tests, I'd never been tested like this before.

All tests came back negative, except my HSV I, IGG AB test, which returned 1.70 (in the positive range over 1.10). This came as a surprise: I've never exhibited any herpes symptoms -- no cold sores on either lips or genitals (just the occasional, in-mouth canker sore every few years).

My doctor was somewhat dismissive of the test result, saying I'd simply been exposed to the virus at some point, and that I shouldn't worry about telling my partner. He told me to simply not kiss her when I had any sores (which, as far as I know, I never have).

However, my partner is EXTREMELY health-conscious, and, prior to our tests, was specifically paranoid about herpes. So I feel compelled to share this test result with her.

Before I do, I'm hoping to find out:

What exactly does this test result mean? Do I, technically, have Type 1 herpes?

Am I at risk of giving it to her (even if this risk is low)?

What can I do to reduce or mitigate this risk?

If she does contract it, what could this mean for her (could she contract herpes with more virulent symptoms, or genital herpes)?

Many thanks.

[gracefromHHP]

Over 60% of adults in the US have hsv1 orally. Only 20-40% of them ever get obvious cold sores to know that they are infected with the virus. By the time we hit the old age home - about 80% of us are actually hsv1+ - not many of us make it thru life without being infected with this incredibly common virus.

Yes your hsv1 of 1.7 is +.  There is no way to know if you contracted hsv1 when you were a baby, from your very first kiss or even just a few months ago.  You only know that you are +.  If you are + for hsv1 then yes you can potentially transmit it to a partner.  I disagree with your doctor's advise that it's not something you have to talk about. I think when it comes to oral sex at least it needs to be addressed if you know you are +.  You will always be more likely to transmit hsv1 to the oral area than the genital area but it can happen.

so what do you and your gf do now? Well obviously anytime you have oral symptoms - avoid kissing her and avoid performing oral sex on her. Same with when you are otherwise ill or have a cold or such - don't perform oral sex on her just to err on the side of caution - you might be shedding the virus orally at that time ( they don't call them cold sores for nothing! ).  It's up to the 2 of you if you think that barrier protection for oral sex is worthwhile or not - it's totally up to the two of you.  Do you know if she's ever had a herpes blood test herself?

So what does it mean if she does contract hsv1 from you? it means she's completely normal and part of the majority. It's really only an issue for infants and small children for the most part.

grace

[Mulder35]

Dude listen. From someone your age that had the exact same test and has NO cold sores or genital sores ever and had the same result! It was the same thing with me, my mouth cancer sores which are NOT contagious gave back a POSITIVE result because they are oral sores see. That's what set my test off. I would have them every month, until i changed toothpaste,(hit me back if u need more info.) So what I'm saying is you probably do NOT have herpes 1. I have never had cold sores myself. And U almost always with have them IF u have HSV1. So if u don't have cold sores at all, relax, you're not gonna pass anything on ok. She will not catch anything from you. If u do get cold sores (outside ur mouth) just don't kiss her or go down on her when u do. I'm assuming u don't even get them so relax. let me know if u still have ?'s.

[gracefromHHP]

Canker sores are not due to herpes.  Canker sores are not contagious. They will not affect a herpes blood test result either.

the majority of folks who have hsv1 orally don't get oral lesions to know it.  

I'm not sure where you are getting some of your info at but it's wrong DUDE.

grace