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1319792 tn?1277321133

How does one contract GENITAL HSV 1

I am very confused. I was diagnosed with HSV 1 in the genital region. I had unprotected sex and oral sex (given to me) with the person whom i believe to have been the carrier. I then had pimple type things appear on my pubic region, then open wounds etc along with extreme fever, swollen pelvic glands, swollen neck glands, headaches, flu symptoms, extreme body aches. Like a terrible flu but with a little extra pain.

I was swabbed and diagnosed with Genital Herpes Type 1. Doc said it appears as primary outbreak and was recently acquired due to severity of symptoms.

I have read up on this and am under the impression HSV 1 is transmitted from the infected persons mouth to the 'victims' genital area. Is this true? I read its not likely to get it from genital to genital, though that doesn't make sense because if i sleep with someone without a condom, they can catch it??

Also it took about 3-4 weeks to clear up, then 2 weeks later i went on a holiday and partied alot, lots of alcohol and lack of sleep, rode alot of roller coasters at theme park and then it came back, more so terrible headaches, fever, light lessions on vagina and inner butt cheeks (that i think got there from shaving without knowing the vagina had light legions).

Is this normal to come back so soon>? Its destroying my life as its making me sick often!!! If this is so common, why do i feel like the only one who has this?
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101028 tn?1419603004
unless you are having sex in the hot tub with someone, herpes isn't an issue.
Helpful - 0
1319792 tn?1277321133
Thanks for your help Grace, i forgot to one thing though. When it comes to spa's/hot tubs/ pools etc. I know that the virus doesn't survive long outside the body, but just want to know your recommendations on the matter?

Should i never enter another hot tub/pool again? stay away from them when symptoms are present?

Helpful - 0
101028 tn?1419603004
Well unless you get an obvious cold sore to know your status for oral hsv1, no easy way to tell. What few studies we do have show that anywhere from 1/4 - 2/3's of folks who have hsv1 genitally, also have it orally.   Discuss with any hsv1 negative partners using condoms when you perform oral sex to err on the side of caution - it's totally up to the two of you whether to do so or not.

Assume nothing about your partner's blood tests. Have him give the clinic a call and ask for the results specifically.

grace
Helpful - 0
1319792 tn?1277321133
Thanks Grace,

If your theory is correct, and i did contract HSV 1 genitally from a person infected with HSV  orally through oral sex, what are the chances I have it orally too?

I am a little concerned as I have a new parter whom i kiss and perform oral sex on. He is aware of my situation so we always use condoms and he does not perform oral sex on me. We also will never have sex if i feel unwell or show any sign of a symptom at all. He has been blood tested but never received any calls back from the doctor in regards to his tests so we assume he has a negative result (well thats what he told me anyway).
Helpful - 0
101028 tn?1419603004
You can get a type specific herpes igg blood test to see what someone's herpes status is.  No it doesn't tell you location but unless a person can recall genital symptoms, odds are their hsv1 is oral. From this point on for you, location of their hsv1 doesn't really matter anyways.  


you received oral sex. Your hsv1 genital infection almost certainly came from that.  

Is it normal to have a recurrence so soon? yes it is. Many folks get a recurrence within 2 months of their initial infection.  Odds are that from this point onward, your recurrences will be few and far between. Should you get another recurrence soon, return to your provider and get properly tested for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally. they are a common trigger of herpes and you don't always get obvious signs like discharge and odor to know that you have one going on.

keep asking questions!

grace
Helpful - 0
1319792 tn?1277321133
Thank-you for your response, Is there way of knowing whether a person has Type 1 orally other then them just having knowledge of a cold sore at some point in there life? I know a blood test will not reveal the type or location (only a swab of infected area will reveal this), or am i mistaken?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
HSV 1 can spread to genitals via oral contact or by genital contact if your partner has it genitally.  You will most likely have fewer and fewer outbreaks as you build antibodies, but if it is really bothering you talk to your doctor about suppressive therapy.  It seems not too uncommon for frequent recurrance of outbreaks soon after initial infection  Unfortunately, it is possible to spread it at any time.  However, if you do some reading, you will find that many, many people have hsv 1.  Typically it is an oral infection, not genital though.  If you sleep with someone who has neither type, they might get it.  If you sleep with someone with HSV 2, they have less of a chance of contracting it genitally as they have some anitbodies, and if they do get it they might not even notice.  If you sleep with someone with HSV 1 orally, and they have had it for a while, chances are that they will have enough antibodies to not get it genitally.  This is assuming that you are not having sex during outbreaks.  Be honest with your partners and talk to them about it.  Get them tested and you will find that many will have at least HSV 1.  Good Luck.  
Helpful - 0
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