HSV 1

[surfgirl76]

I was diagnosed with HSV1 genital herpes over 11 years ago and have not had any outbreaks or symptoms since the diagnosis.  I obtained HSV1 through oral to genital sex unknowingly at the time that my fiance at the time had a history of cold sores.  I have only had one sexual partner in my lifetime and since we broke up I have not been sexually active with anyone since him.  I have not been exposed to HSV2.  I want to get the facts on HSV1 transmission:
1.  Since I have not had any outbreaks or symptoms does that mean that I have a low viral shedding rate?
2.  If a new partner has been exposed to HSV1 orally can I still transmit HSV1 to that partner genitally?  What are the rates of transmission?
3.  Since I am not symptomatic would taking antiviral drugs still decrease my asymptomatic shedding rate more or is that not necessary?
I have been very aftraid to embark on new relationships because of this and I just want to be informed as possible when I have that conversation with the person I want to be intimate with and care about.

Thanks for your help.

[HSVscared]

lol - grace is absolutely right
this sinot a reason to sit at home go meet some one

[gracefromHHP]

the number of ob's you have has little to do with how much the virus is shedding. For the most part hsv1 genitally sheds on average 3-5% of days.  Most folks with hsv1 genitally aren't having very frequent ob's.  

If your partner has hsv1 orally it's not likely he will contract hsv1 genitally from you. Always err on the side of caution and if you have any genital symtoms avoid sex.  

We don't have any info on if daily suppressive therapy reduces the risk of transmitting hsv1 genitally to a partner to know if it would be worthwhile or not. It doesn't shed as often so it's less likely to be transmitted to a partner. Most folks agree that there isn't enough bang for the buck to make it worth it but that's up to you and your partner.

At least 1/4 of folks who have hsv1 genitally also have it orally.  Unless you get obvious cold sores to know that you also have it orally there's no easy way to know for sure. when talking to  partner discuss whether they think barrier protection for oral sex is worthwhile or not.

Also remember that it is soooooooooooo not all about your hsv1 infection - it's getting them tested to know what they have and don't have too.

Don't let herpes be the reason why you are sitting home at night!! If you think you'd be too uncomfortable talking about it then consider dating thru some of the herpes dating sites. Meet others with hsv1 genitally too and if nothing else you might find someone else to talk about this all with face to face. Good practice for when you trip over your own 2 feet in the grocrey store and the man of your dreams picks you up, brushes the dirt off you and asks you out on a date :)  

grace