herpes recurrence

[ftdrsldr]

Hello Doctor, and thanks in advance for answering my question.  I have had hsv-1 in the genital area for a little over two years now.  Other than my initial outbreak, I have been unable to pinpoint when I was having one. About 5 days ago my gf (yes she knows) and I engaged in unprotected sex(in the early morning hours). The next morning while taking a shower I noticed a small amount of clear, sticky, odorless discharge that resembled precum from the head of my penis.  I panicked and thought that I was having a recurrence, but wasn't sure as there were no other visible signs or symptoms present.  The next morning we had sex again (this time with condom)and a few hours afterwards I was able to squeeze the head of my penis and a little bit of the clear odorless discharge came out again.  I continued to squeeze and pull on it all that day to see if there was more, most of my attempts came up with nothing, but a small amount(pin drop)did present itself toward the end of the work day.  I guess my question to you is 1. Can i be having a recurrence with the symptoms described? 2. If I am having a recurrence are we protected any at all by using a condom.  I have read that during a recurrence you can pass genital hsv-1 on even if there are no visible sores or lesions.  Any help tht you can provide in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I repeat:  Your discharge is not due to herpes.  Go get checked out for NGU, chlamydia, and other STDs.

The chance of transmitted genital HSV-1 to your partner is very low, maybe zero.

HHH, MD

[ftdrsldr]

Thanks Dr.  In a situation like this one where we had sex with a condom, and the suspected discharge being the only visible sign or symptom, what would be the likelihood of my gf getting infected with hsv-1 genitally?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your genital HSV-1 infection sounds typical:  Many persons have only the initial outbreak without any recurrences at all (unlike HSV-2).  Your dishcarge probably is not due to herpes.  It sounds like you might have urethritis, such as chlamydia, or nonchlamydial, nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), or conceivably gonorrhea.  Or you might just be seeing residual sexual secretions, since apparently you notice the problem only after sex.  But herpes rarely causes discharge without sores or pain and I doubt that's the problem.  If the symptom continues, and especially if you notice discharge independent of recent sex, see a health care provider.  

Best wishes--  HHH, MD