location, location, location

I have oral HSV-1.  My partner, as far as we know, is uninfected.  When we became aware of the risks, we started using condoms for oral sex.  He's convinced that if I touch areas that aren't covered by the condom (his scrotum) orally, there IS NOT a risk of infection.  I think this is a load of ****.  I want it to not be, but if the world revolved around what I wanted I would not have herpes in the first place.

[gracefromHHP]

Most adults have hsv1 orally whether they know it or not.  Most folks aren't getting obvious cold sores to know that they are infected with the virus.  If your partner has never been tested then he should be so that you know his status too. assume nothing.

Even though it seems like just about everyone has hsv1 genitally nowadays, the risk of transmission to the genital area is still low. Obviously do not perform oral on your partner when you have an obvious cold sore or if you feel that you might be getting one.  You can still transmit it in between obvious cold sores but the risk is smaller.

Can you transmit the virus to the thigh, abdomen or scrotal area? yes you can but the risk is still low. Just kissing or licking those areas wouldn't be as much of an issue as say nibbling or giving a hickey in those areas.  Hope that makes sense.

grace

[iron88]

Thank you for your reply.  

I'm currently working on getting him tested, but he's in denial.  Since I'm his only partner I'm not as worried about him going out and infecting other people, but it's still bothersome.  Maybe someday I'll crack this egg.

My sister actually told me that there was more of a risk if the person being infected has a lowered immune system.  That sounded right, but she also said that unless that person had the lowered immune system, transmission was highly unlikely.  In a sense she told me if that person is fit and healthy risk is lower than it would be otherwise.  I was just wondering if there was truth to that.

Thanks again, you've really made this seem a little more manageable.

[gracefromHHP]

There are certain conditions that are known to increase the risk of transmission of genital herpes - one being when a female has bv and another being the use of nonoxyonol 9.  Other than that it's pretty much just about as much about bad luck as anything.

grace