transmission of genital HSV-1

i am in a stable monogamous relationship with a man who has genital HSV-1. he had a single outbreak five years ago and no symptoms since. we are trying to decide how careful we need to be to prevent transmission. i understand the concept of asymptomatic viral shedding, but it seems like he is probably shedding very infrequently. do you think we need to use condoms even when there are no outbreaks? (i am using another method for birth control.) is supression therapy warranted? (the research i have seen is only about its effect of the transmission of HSV-2). should i get tested for HSV antibodies? (i have never noticed an outbreak--but it might tell me about my resistance to the virus).

thank you.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

See the FAQs at the begining of the STD forum; I think those questions are answered there.  If not, search the other message strings.  The bottom line is that if your partner probably is minimally infectious for you, perhaps not at all.  You most likely don't need to take any precautions at all.

But yes, if you have a blood test for HSV-1 and it is positive, you would know you couldn't catch if from your husband even if you tried.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[HHH,MD]

In the second sentence of my response, "if" is a typo; should read "The bottom line is that your partner probably is minimally infectious...."

HHH, MD