How to tell a potential partner

[maclm59]

How do I tell a potential partner that I was diagnosed with genital HSV1?

I have read from the doctor here, that HSV1 orally is an STD if transmitted via oral sex.

It just wouldn't make any sense to someone to tell them I got an STD from someone who didn't have an STD...that would sound downright stupid!

Any suggestions? Do I tell them I have the cold sore virus on my vagina?

[maclm59]

Wow...thank you so very much!

This makes so much sense!

[petal130]

Indeed you have genital herpes. Cold sores occur on the mouth.  It's your own perspective (stigma) of things that needs to go out the window first. Education is key, and lucky for you (and me, I have genital HSV1) many adults already have oral HSV1, meaning if your partner has it already, it evens out the playing field. Aside from that, you can let a new partner know that you had a boyfriend who had oral herpes, he performed oral sex on you and transmitted his oral herpes to your genitals. That can help put it in perspective. As well, there are very few outbreaks with genital HSV1, and the virus sheds little - also a bonus with genital HSV1.

You can read more about genital herpes and watch the free video in the herpes handbook, here:  http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook/view_the_chapters.html

[privatef]

I think that if you were to have a potential partner that you should feel comfortable enough with them to tell them about your status. Yes, regardless it will be awkward or maybe shameful to tell them but I think if you are upfront about it then they will appreciate it and won't judge you. I think you can maybe explain the situation if you want, that you got it from oral sex but I doubt they will think of it as any less serious. You can also remind them that men are less likely to get herpes and that if you use a condom when you don't have an outbreak their chances of getting it are lower. Good luck, hope this helped

[privatef]

I think that if you were to have a potential partner that you should feel comfortable enough with them to tell them about your status. Yes, regardless it will be awkward or maybe shameful to tell them but I think if you are upfront about it then they will appreciate it and won't judge you. I think you can maybe explain the situation if you want, that you got it from oral sex but I doubt they will think of it as any less serious. You can also remind them that men are less likely to get herpes and that if you use a condom when you don't have an outbreak their chances of getting it are lower. Good luck, hope this helped