What I am to expect

[JCB5]

I have just been divorced after 20 years. My husband has had cold sores from being a young child. At 25 years of age, married to him (17 years ago)  - I had an outbreak of Genital Herpes that could only have come from him (as he was my only sexual partner). My GYN gave me no info, no explanation - just meds. Leaving me to figure it out on my own. I have not had an outbreak since. We were sexually active, without protection, many times after that, and he never had genital herpes. I now find myself divorced - and while this has never been a problem during our married life - I have to now think of times ahead. I have Herpes -1 - I was tested. But what does this hold for me in the future - I have not dated, or had sex in the last two years, and am not actively looking to do so - but when I do - I would like to know where I stand.

Thank You

J

[petal130]

More than likely your genital HSV1 came from oral sex with your husband. I too have genital HSV1 from my partner who has oral HSV1.

A couple things about genital HSV1... First, the REALLY good thing about it is you most likely won't have many outbreaks. Statistically with genital HSV1, there are much fewer outbreaks, and the virus "sheds" much less too. Viral shedding is when the virus is active but there are no symptoms (how my partner transmitted it to me).

As well, you may want to consider taking your meds (I assume Valtrex or Acylovir?) only when you have an outbreak, especially if you're not in a sexual relationship. More folks do this with genital HSV1 than with HSV2, for the reasons I just stated. I only have taken it during the two outbreaks I've had thus far.

When you do get into another relationship, you can ask your partner if he has ever had cold sores, or if he's been tested for herpes. Many folks who do have it don't even know. So, he would need to get tested if he didn't know his HSV status. That too will help you do determine whether you take suppressive meds and/or use condoms.

The Herpes Handbook has some great info, link here:

http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook/view_the_chapters.html

Also, if you find that the free handbook isn't enough info, check out Terri Warren's new book - "The Good News about the Bad News" - it goes into far more detail and is very helpful for newly diagnosed people and their partners.