Hsv1 oral to genital

Recently, I unknowingly transmitted my hsv1 (oral) to my longterm girlfriend (genital). I was not having an outbreak and had never heard of asymptomatic shedding before. We have fought through this setback and now are looking to push foward. First I have a few questions,

1. Is it possible for me too now to contract hsv1 genitally from her, even though i was the one to give her the genital hsv1 via oral sex?
2. She is currently on daily Valtrex, and i am using condoms every time, washing my penis and surrounding area after, and never engaging while she is having an OB. Do these paremeters make the risk so small that I should not worry about it too much?

[Mistakeguy789]

1.  The answer is that you are either immune or at least highly resistant to getting a new infection for HSV-1 at a different site.  The body has a immune response now to the HSV-1 virus.  You ARE able to get HSV-2 still.  However, this isn't from what you said a problem here.  

2.  For HSV-1?  I think that is her choice.  However, if I may suggest and I am sure grace will correct me as needed.  HSV-1 Genitally does not have a high reoccurance outbreak.  However each person is different and I would say if shes on Valtrex you have not much to worry about.  

Really taking the precautions you are is up to you.  My response to #1 plays a role here in that you have the ability to fight the new infection and it is rare to get infected in a new site because of those antibodies. My suggestion would be avoid sex with her during an outbreak.  HSV-1 Genitally doesn't asymptomatic shed much.  

Some reading though would be the Herpes Handbook found at www.westoverheights.com and you may want to get Terri Warren's book "The Good News About The Bad News".  She is the Herpes MedHelp Expert and a really awesome person.  

[hprenti6]

Thank you for your informative answer. It helps to confirm information I have previously received. And yes, you are correct, genital hsv1 has a much lower reoccurence outbreak rate. It is not uncommon to only have 1-4 outbreaks in a lifetime, especially if on a full time suppressant like Valtrex. I only take so many precautions because I am 19 and she is 20 and hopefully both of us have very exciting sexual futures whether we end together in the long run. Thank you again.

-Hayden

[hprenti6]

Any other takes on my situation would surely be appreciated! Thanks guys!

[Mistakeguy789]

Well the precautions really aren't needed because you have HSV-1 yourself.  So both your bodies have a antibody response to the virus in your blood stream.  Think of it this way the people that have had chickenpox won't get it again likely because your body knows how to fight that virus off.  HSV works in the same way when trying to infect a new site.  

Now if you were telling me I am going to go on with a girl who is HSV negative then you know I would say the same chance of what happened here may or may not happen again.  The virus just doesn't give up.  

By no means am I saying "Have lots of sex when an outbreak is present" but for the most part the shedding shouldn't be an issue for you to stop.  Condoms are good for the other STD's out there and some of them can even be enjoyable (also prevention of unplanned babies.).  

Good luck :)

[gracefromHHP]

actually your gf is wasting her time and money taking valtrex every day.  You are not going to contract hsv1 genitally from her as long as you avoid sex during obvious genital recurrences.  Your own hsv1 oral infection gives you significant protection from contracting hsv1 on other body parts. it could happen but it's very unlikely to do so. The odds of it occurring are right up there with the odds that you'd be the big winner in the lottery tonight - not likely.  

hsv1 genitally doesn't reoccur at all in 1/2 the folks infected with it. that's when they don't treat it at all!  the average rate of recurrences is 1 additional ob the first year and then 1 ob every other year.  really not enough bang for your buck in taking suppressive therapy because of the low recurrence rate and you also having hsv1 yourself. don't be scared of genital herpes - be educated about it!!!

absolutely no reason for all the genital washing either!!!

grace

[hprenti6]

Thanks for your reply! And yeah i know it seems kind of silly but with her current health insurance its $5 dollars a month. Not too much for that little self-assurance. Its more just to calm our nerves more than anything, even if the effect is small! I only take so many precautions (some unnecasary) to avoid that 1 in a million what if? And as for the genital washing.... even if it doesnt prevent anything, the ice cold water sure does wake me up in the morning lol. Tnaks again guys, the support is appreciated!