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HSV 1 transmission
I am a 23yr old female who has contracted HSV-1 genitally by an ex-partner through oral sex. I'm currently embarking into a new relationship, and in reading some of the other questions posted by others in similiar situations, I have some questions of my own.
Is a person considered to have the HSV 1 virus (orally) if they have had cold sores in/around the mouth at one point in time of their life? If so, is it then possible for these persons to acquire the HSV 1 virus genitally?
It is also my understanding that the risks involved in transmitting the HSV-1 virus genital to genital are low when no apparent symptoms are present and condoms are used. Just how low is this risk?
Thank you very much for your time. This website has been extremely helpful for me in thoroughly understanding HSV-1.
Is a person considered to have the HSV 1 virus (orally) if they have had cold sores in/around the mouth at one point in time of their life? If so, is it then possible for these persons to acquire the HSV 1 virus genitally?
It is also my understanding that the risks involved in transmitting the HSV-1 virus genital to genital are low when no apparent symptoms are present and condoms are used. Just how low is this risk?
Thank you very much for your time. This website has been extremely helpful for me in thoroughly understanding HSV-1.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
YOu're welcome, Ruby
Terri
Terri
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You are most welcome. Best of luck!
Terri
Terri
Thank you so much for taking the time and I definitely appreciate your imput.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
First, I am sorry to be late in posting back. We started a HUGE herpes medication study in our clinic three weeks ago, and I'm working very long hours. Please forgive me.
Hmmmm. Its tough, for sure, to be in your situation. His risk is very low of contracting virus genitally, for sure, and yes, once you've had cold sores, you will always have antibody and always have the potential to shed virus (him).
Take your time telling him, but I would recommend, even though it is hard, telling him before you have intercourse. Not all responses are rationale and make sense in terms of science. This man could be angry with you for not disclosing his information before intercourse. I've seen that before, no matter how irrational it might be, given your situation.
But the reality, take away emotion and fear, is that he is at very low risk of being infected with your HSV 1 for all the reasons that you know already.
Good luck with this, I really hope it goes well when the time comes.
Terri
Hmmmm. Its tough, for sure, to be in your situation. His risk is very low of contracting virus genitally, for sure, and yes, once you've had cold sores, you will always have antibody and always have the potential to shed virus (him).
Take your time telling him, but I would recommend, even though it is hard, telling him before you have intercourse. Not all responses are rationale and make sense in terms of science. This man could be angry with you for not disclosing his information before intercourse. I've seen that before, no matter how irrational it might be, given your situation.
But the reality, take away emotion and fear, is that he is at very low risk of being infected with your HSV 1 for all the reasons that you know already.
Good luck with this, I really hope it goes well when the time comes.
Terri
to add to this....if the risk of transmission is very low for a person with HSV-1 (orally) to contract it genitally, would you reccomend disclosure prior to engaging in any type of sexual contact?
In speaking with my family doctor, he initially advised that with no symptoms present along with condom use, there would be little risk involved in transmission, allowing me to be able to wait to share this information with persons whom I felt comfortable sharing with after time. And ethically, him and I agreed that when getting involved romantically/emotionally with someone, it would be in the best interest to disclose.
I certainly do not want to scare this person away nor do I want to put him at risk, and I do intend to tell him eventually, but I can't help shake the feeling that I'm "outting" really personal information about myself prior to allowing a real emotional relationship to develop.
He has stated that he used to regularly get cold sores as a child.
Thanks again.
In speaking with my family doctor, he initially advised that with no symptoms present along with condom use, there would be little risk involved in transmission, allowing me to be able to wait to share this information with persons whom I felt comfortable sharing with after time. And ethically, him and I agreed that when getting involved romantically/emotionally with someone, it would be in the best interest to disclose.
I certainly do not want to scare this person away nor do I want to put him at risk, and I do intend to tell him eventually, but I can't help shake the feeling that I'm "outting" really personal information about myself prior to allowing a real emotional relationship to develop.
He has stated that he used to regularly get cold sores as a child.
Thanks again.
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.
