Oral transmission

Hi,

The first and only time I had sex was about 5 years ago.  Just last year, I had some rashes on my genitals which via swab testing were negative for Herpes.

For added peace of mind I asked my doctor to perform a blood test also for the presence of antibodies. Once again the test came back negative.

I had a woman perform unprotected oral sex on me 2 days ago (no vaginal sex).  I know she has had other partners in her past, I have no way of knowing the nature of their experiences or Herpes statuses though.

I would like someone to tell me:
- Since I plan on getting the blood test again to confirm my negative status has been maintained, when should I do it?  I was going to wait 1 month, and then get follow up testing at 2 months and 6 months.
- what are the chances of me catching either HSV1 or HSV2 from this experience?

Thank you.
F

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I"m so sorry about your post, it just popped up!  I think sometimes when people add a comment before I post it looks like it isn't new and doesn't show up in the same way for my alerts.  ANYWAY.........
How long after your first encounter did you have the antibody test performed?  Was it negative for both HSV 1 and HSV 2?
I think your risk in the most recent encounter is for HSV 1 transmission from her mouth to your genitals.  It is true that people can give off herpes virus when there are no symptoms present both orally and genitally, yes, very true.

Terri

[frankyboy3]

I also would like to add that I did not recall seeing any cold sores of any nature on her mouth during the evening.  I understand though, that asymptomatic shedding can also take place, so some commentary on this would also assist me because I have heard doctors give conflicting opinions in this regard.

Thanks

[frankyboy3]

Hi,

The negative test was several years after my first and only encounter.  I can't remember if it was negative for both 1 and 2, but I think it was.

So, while I understand what is possible in terms of transmission, I'm looking for some understanding around likelihood and transmission rates.

My logic tells me that while it is possible that a HSV1 transmission took place, it is more likely that after only 1 encounter, with no symptoms, transmission is relatively low risk.  Is my logic sound in this regard?

Of course, regardless of all this I will get re-tested at the same place so that I can compare my results.  What would an appropriate timeframe be?

Thank you.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The likelihood of transmission from her mouth to your genitals at one encounter is really low.  Your logic is right on.  We don't, however, have exact numbers on this kind of sexual contact.   If you do decide to get tested again (and I don't really think you need to), I would wait 4 months from the time of the encounter.

Again, my impression is that chances of transmission from her mouth to your genitals at one encounter is very low.

Terri

[frankyboy3]

Thank you for your assistance.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You're welcome.

Terri