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HSV-1 genital
Hello - I am a male and was exposed to genital HSV-1 during gential-to-genital (male/female) sex about 4 weeks ago. Unfortunately this was not with my regular partner. The woman I was with has had HSV-1 (confirmed via recent blood test) for about 25 years, and has never had a recurrence. She was not having an outbreak during our encounter (confirmed via visual inspection and swab tests afterward). We used a condom. I have checked myself closely since and have not experienced any physical symptoms - no blisters, rash, etc. and normal temperature every day.
My regular partner (a different female) has oral HSV-1 (I think) since she gets cold sores about 2-4 times a year, and has for several years. I have been with her for 8 years and received oral sex from her occasionally, as well as regular vaginal sex and regular kissing, and I have never had symptoms of oral or genital herpes.
My question is, do I need to be concerned about transmitting HSV-1 to my regular partner genitally, given the circumstances of my exposure and the fact that she almost certainly already has HSV-1? Thank you.
My regular partner (a different female) has oral HSV-1 (I think) since she gets cold sores about 2-4 times a year, and has for several years. I have been with her for 8 years and received oral sex from her occasionally, as well as regular vaginal sex and regular kissing, and I have never had symptoms of oral or genital herpes.
My question is, do I need to be concerned about transmitting HSV-1 to my regular partner genitally, given the circumstances of my exposure and the fact that she almost certainly already has HSV-1? Thank you.
Thank you again. One more question - if one acquires HSV-1 genital and does not experience an outbreak or any symptoms as a result, does that affect the likelihood of future outbreaks (presuming otherwise good health), once antibodies have developed?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You can certainly get tested but no matter what you are exposed to HSV 1 regularly.
Terri
Terri
Thank you. This is most helpful (and reassuring) information. I have not been tested - I spoke to another NP and her take was that it would be very possible that I have HSV-1 already given that my regular partner has it, so it was not worth getting tested. (However, I am still considering getting tested.) And her analysis and conclusions were similar to yours, so I am going to try to move on from this episode. Thank you again.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You are at far less risk of acquiring HSV 1 from the most recent partner than you are from acquiring HSV 1 from your partner who has oral HSV 1 infection and receiving oral sex from her. HSV 1 is shed more often from the mouth than the genital area. Have you actually been tested to see if you are infected with HSV 1 yourself? If you did happen to be negative yourself for HSV 1 and got HSV 1 from your most recent partner, your regular partner would likely never get it from you because she has it herself. In summary, I don't think you have anything to worry about from this encounter in the case of HSV 1.
Terri
Terri
One more fact to add (in case it is relevant) - I immediately showered and washed my genitals after this encounter. I don't know if that affects the likelihood of contracting genital HSV-1.
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
