HSV 1 Transmission from Mouth to Genitals

[writlarge7]

I'm a 33 year old heterosexual man and I have had HSV 1 on my upper lip since I was a child. I began dating a 26 year old girl about 6 months ago and we both got tested for STDs just over 5 months ago. The two of us tested negative for everything (including HSV 2) except I tested positive for HSV 1 of course. On average, we have had sex about 5 times per week since we got tested and we have also both performed oral sex on each other about 2 to 3 times per week, without a dental dam, since our tests. I've had 2 outbreaks or cold sores since we started having sex and both times we diligently abstained from kissing and oral sex until any and all signs of my blisters had completely healed. She has never had any symptoms of HSV 1, neither on her lips nor her genitals and I assumed that the precautions that we have taken have been sufficient and effective. Until this afternoon, that is. My girlfriend had a routine OB/GYN appointment today and she asked her Dr. about the risks involved with my HSV 1 infection and specifically the likelihood that I will transmit the virus to her genitals during oral sex even when I have no blisters whatsoever.  The Dr. told her that she probably has already contracted HSV 1 from me either on her lips or her genitals and that if she has not already been infected that I will almost certainly infect her genitals at some point in the future while performing oral sex on her if we don't use dental dams - even if I'm completely asymptomatic.  My girlfriend is understandably concerned and this news has put an end to my giving her oral sex. My question is how accurate is the advice that my girlfriend's Dr. gave her? Is it likely that I will infect my girlfriend's genitals with HSV 1 if I am sure to only perform oral sex on her when I am completely asymptomatic?  Is the risk of transmission great enough that we should abstain from oral sex? It just seems hard to believe. I've had 4 long-term sexual relationships and none of my previous girlfriends ever told me that they contracted HSV 1 from me in any form - oral or genital. Also, none of those previous girlfriends ever showed cold sores or any symptoms of HSV 1 and all were under the impression that they did not have the virus. Thanks so much for your time. Your response will be greatly appreciated!  

[prettyface1981]

I've had herpes for 3 years now. First time I found out I was so

depressed and I was suicidal at times.
But I'm changed now. I'm positive and hopeful that there will be a cure

in the near future.

I also believe that the stigma about this virus is very over-rated!

I'm using the supplement Lysine. I take up to 3000mg per day. It has

really helped me supress my outbreaks.

I'm also trying this protocol that is quite promosing.
http://www.cosmopolitan-view.com/herpes-protocol-DMSO
​​

[writlarge7]

Thank you!

[Juker]

This is the best resource.  Others tell me "If I get out of bed in the morning I may die."  I forget their names but try to find the posts of the two doctors in the experts section.  Unfortunately they don't seem contribute anymore.

Nonetheless, tho I could nit pick, here is a good faq:

http://www.herpes.org.uk/faq.html

I agree completely with Howard above.

[HowardH]

www.cdc.gov/std
www.ashasexualhealth.org
www.westoverheights.com

Or spend some time browsing and/or searching MedHelp's herpes and STD expert forums (currently closed to new questions).

[writlarge7]

Thanks so much for your answer HowardH! Can you direct me to any further literature on this issue or literature where you learned this information? Best wishes!

[HowardH]

Your partner's doctor is overreacting. There is indeed a risk you could transmit HSV1 to your partner, either by kissing or oral sex. But in most couples in your situation, it never happens -- just as your experience with other partners before your current one. If you carefully avoid kissing and oral sex on her whenever you have having an outbreak, her risk will remain very low.  Not zero -- it could happen. But genital HSV1 is usually not a big deal -- the first infection is easily treated to limit duration and discomfort, and recurrent genital herpes tends to be rare for HSV1 (a big difference compared with HSV2), and is uncommonly transmitted to future partners.

So really this shouldn't be a big deal for either you or your partner. Nobody should let herpes, especially HSV1, seriously interfere with romance, commitment, and mutually rewarding sex -- including, in this instance, oral sex or any other sexual expression that gives you mutual pleasure.