Herpes virus infections are very
commonCommon cold, both as oral herpes (cold sores) which are present in more than half of Americans and as genital herpes which is usually caused by herpes type-2 (HSV-2) but can be caused by herpes type-1 as well. Persons with oral herpes can transmit their infection to partners during oral sex, giving them genital herpes due to the herpes type-1 virus. If you have sex with someone with genital herpes, whether or not it is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-1, you can acquire that infection.
EWH
p.s. While it is typical for doctors to test women for syphilis, gonorrrhea and chlamydia during pregnancy, it is uncommon for them to test for herpes. If you have sores in the genital area, I would suggest you ask your health care provider to test you.
Type I can be transmitted to the genital area through oral (more likely) or indirect transmission (hands) which is much less likely. You can transmit the virus to another part of your body, but it is much harder to do so since you have antibodies to it in your system. The same goes for him giving it back to you. This doesn't rule out also having a type II break out. Either one of you could have the virus and not know it. Most doctors will only screen for it if asked. Around 10% do as a regular std check.
When you have a new partner - talk to them about your own oral herpes. Ask them if they'd be willing to get tested for herpes to see what their status is. If they have hsv1 themselves, whether they can recall ever having an obvious cold sore ever or not - just use common sense - avoid performing oral sex on them until a cold sore is completely healed. It will go a long way. If they don't have hsv1 - then also avoid kissing them until your cold sore is healed too. Also talk to them to see if they think barrier protection for oral sex is in order or not. If they have hsv2 - then you two will need to discuss what precautions are needed to protect you from that. Most folks who have either oral or genital herpes don't realize they are infected so testing can help you figure out who has what. Also don't forget that herpes isn't the only std out there to be thinking about!
Definitely follow up with your doctor to find out what is going on down yonder. Women only accurately diagnose yeast infections properly about a 1/3 of the time. With odds like that - it's best to leave it to the professionals to do a little simple testing of your vaginal secretions to see if it's yeast or something bacterial that needs treated. Sure beats self treating for the wrong thing and prolonging how long it takes until you are properly diagnosed!! Even if you did transmit hsv1 to your partner's genital area thru oral sex - it's not likely that they will transmit it back to you so this isn't likely to be due to hsv1.
grace
grace
And I'm delighted to see Dr. Handsfield is staying :-)