I am a 30-year-old female who has been tested for Herpes many times. Fortunately, a year after my last sexual encounter, I've received negative IGG results for both HSV I and II.
I am now dating a man who just received negative IGG results for HSV II, but positive results for HSV I. Unfortunately, we didn't know his status until after we engaged in unprotected oral sex (three or four times). I asked him about symptoms after he got his results, and he said he has a history of occasional cold sores. Fortunately, he did not have any noticeable outbreaks when we engaged in oral sex. However, he is not taking Valtrex.
So, I have a few questions:
(1) Should I be tested for HSV I? It's been 8 days since my last encounter. I've noticed burning sensations outside my vagina, but no sores. I don't know if the sensations are psychosomatic or a yeast infection or a possible HSV I outbreak.
(2) If I get tested and are positive for HSV I, should I assume I have it genitally? Then what?
(3) Since HSV I is so common (so it is likely a future partner will have it) yet I haven't currently been diagnosed, how am I to approach oral sex in the future (since my last test revealed I had neither I or II)? Realistically, I can't see myself using dental dams. So, am I to resign myself to avoid oral sex until I'm with someone for the long haul (in which I would know that I would be likely to get HSV I at some point)? Or, ask my partners to take daily Valtrex (which seems a little unfair if it's just for a cold sore on the lip a few times a year)?