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Trying to make sense of doctor HSV1 feedback
Hi Doctors,
I've read many of the posts related to HSV1, but I'm trying to make sense of my particular situation and I'll make it as clear as possible.
In brief, (about a year ago) I accidentally gave my ex-girlfriend genital HSV1 from performing oral on her. I've gotten cold sores for many years (maybe one every year and a half to two years) and have had a negative blood test for HSV2 (as has my ex gf). After she had healed up, she and I resumed having unprotected sex. I noticed one morning many months after her initial outbreak that I had bright red patches of skin beneath my foreskin (I'm uncircumcised) but no blisters, pain, discharge, ulcers, etc. Just bright red skin. I do surf on the weekends and am in a wet bathing suit/wet suit and don't always shower immediately after, so didn't know if that might have something to do with it.
I went to my PCP the morning of noticing the red spots and he did a herpes swab that came back negative. He gave me Valtrex and I took it for one day, but by the next morning the red patches had all but disappeared. I went to a dermatologist the day after that who said this didn't sound like herpes, and even if it was, genital HSV1 hardly ever recurs (and more than likely won't). The urologist I met with after though said "yep, that sounded like herpes and it could clear up with one day of Valtrex." I eventually went back to my PCP did the initial swab and saw me the day of the red patches and he said "I guess I could've been wrong and it could've been just a yeast infection," which btw my ex-girlfriend was prone to.
Just trying to make sense of all this. I guess my question is, does this sound like herpes, or a yeast/fungal infection? Am I at risk of exposing my current gf? Again, it's been almost a year and I'm still ok with no recurrent red spots (knock on wood) but any sense of this would be appreciated.
Thanks.
I've read many of the posts related to HSV1, but I'm trying to make sense of my particular situation and I'll make it as clear as possible.
In brief, (about a year ago) I accidentally gave my ex-girlfriend genital HSV1 from performing oral on her. I've gotten cold sores for many years (maybe one every year and a half to two years) and have had a negative blood test for HSV2 (as has my ex gf). After she had healed up, she and I resumed having unprotected sex. I noticed one morning many months after her initial outbreak that I had bright red patches of skin beneath my foreskin (I'm uncircumcised) but no blisters, pain, discharge, ulcers, etc. Just bright red skin. I do surf on the weekends and am in a wet bathing suit/wet suit and don't always shower immediately after, so didn't know if that might have something to do with it.
I went to my PCP the morning of noticing the red spots and he did a herpes swab that came back negative. He gave me Valtrex and I took it for one day, but by the next morning the red patches had all but disappeared. I went to a dermatologist the day after that who said this didn't sound like herpes, and even if it was, genital HSV1 hardly ever recurs (and more than likely won't). The urologist I met with after though said "yep, that sounded like herpes and it could clear up with one day of Valtrex." I eventually went back to my PCP did the initial swab and saw me the day of the red patches and he said "I guess I could've been wrong and it could've been just a yeast infection," which btw my ex-girlfriend was prone to.
Just trying to make sense of all this. I guess my question is, does this sound like herpes, or a yeast/fungal infection? Am I at risk of exposing my current gf? Again, it's been almost a year and I'm still ok with no recurrent red spots (knock on wood) but any sense of this would be appreciated.
Thanks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You're welcome
Terri
Terri
Thanks for your time and insights, Terri.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Not everyone does have recurrences of genital herpes caused by HSV 1, no. But you asked if i saw recurrent HSV 1 and I do, but I also see people who don't get recurrences, so that could be your girlfriend. As I said, I don't believe that you have HSV 1.
If a person has not had a recurrences of HSV 1 in a year after first infection, there is an 88% chance they will not have another.
This is my final post on this thread
Terri
If a person has not had a recurrences of HSV 1 in a year after first infection, there is an 88% chance they will not have another.
This is my final post on this thread
Terri
Thanks, Terri.
So I guess it's safe to say that if what the doc saw about a year ago was in fact HSV1, I can be pretty sure that eventually I'll have another "episode..." and that my ex gf who had genital HSV1 will get recurrent outbreaks too...
Stinks to think of it that way, but I'm trying to face reality here...
Last thing, do recurrent HSV1 genital outbreaks tend to stop after a period of time? Say for instance a person goes five years without a recurrent episode, is it likely that they'll never get another one? Trying to find any sliver of a silver lining....
So I guess it's safe to say that if what the doc saw about a year ago was in fact HSV1, I can be pretty sure that eventually I'll have another "episode..." and that my ex gf who had genital HSV1 will get recurrent outbreaks too...
Stinks to think of it that way, but I'm trying to face reality here...
Last thing, do recurrent HSV1 genital outbreaks tend to stop after a period of time? Say for instance a person goes five years without a recurrent episode, is it likely that they'll never get another one? Trying to find any sliver of a silver lining....
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
While it is true that 95% of recurrent herpes is HSV 2, I definitely see people who have recurrent HSV 1, it is just less frequent for most people.
The thing is, if your current partner has HSV 1, then there isn't a concern about her getting it from you, that's why you need to know.
She can order the test herself online, very easy, no provider order needed. And you should know if she has HSV 2 or not, really. You can use healthcheckusa.com as one source, there are many others. And it is very easy. What you want is type specific IgG for HSV 1 and HSV 2.
For the other partner you had that didn't get HSV 1: she may well already have it which is why she didn't get it genitally. Fifty six percent of the US population between 14 and 49 already have HSV 1. It's just good in your situation to know if she is one of them
Terri
The thing is, if your current partner has HSV 1, then there isn't a concern about her getting it from you, that's why you need to know.
She can order the test herself online, very easy, no provider order needed. And you should know if she has HSV 2 or not, really. You can use healthcheckusa.com as one source, there are many others. And it is very easy. What you want is type specific IgG for HSV 1 and HSV 2.
For the other partner you had that didn't get HSV 1: she may well already have it which is why she didn't get it genitally. Fifty six percent of the US population between 14 and 49 already have HSV 1. It's just good in your situation to know if she is one of them
Terri
Hi Terri,
Yes, I gave an ex gf genital HSV1 by performing oral on her and I'm now with a new partner. She requested an HSV1 blood test from her doctor but he wouldn't give it to her and said that since other members of her family have had it forever and I too have had it, that she more than likely has it and it'd be a waste of a test. (I tend to disagree, but whatever).
My main concern was that while it's likely what I saw down below was more of a dermatitis/yeast infection, it wasn't 100% conclusive. So hypothetically if I had genital HSV 1, is it likely I'd experience future recurrent outbreaks as it's been about a year since I first noticed anything. I guess another way to say it is do you typically see patients that come back for recurrent HSV1 outbreaks.
My one doctor said he's never had a patient come back for a recurrent HSV1 genital outbreak, only HSV2, and that it's unlikely I'd give a partner HSV1 genitally from genital-to-genital sex. Just trying to wrap my brain around that.
Again, I don't perform oral sex if I even feel a tickle on my lip. Two gf's ago we did everything even without a barrier and nothing ever happened and I don't remember her ever having a cold sore. I presume a person's immune system comes into play here too.
Thanks again.
Yes, I gave an ex gf genital HSV1 by performing oral on her and I'm now with a new partner. She requested an HSV1 blood test from her doctor but he wouldn't give it to her and said that since other members of her family have had it forever and I too have had it, that she more than likely has it and it'd be a waste of a test. (I tend to disagree, but whatever).
My main concern was that while it's likely what I saw down below was more of a dermatitis/yeast infection, it wasn't 100% conclusive. So hypothetically if I had genital HSV 1, is it likely I'd experience future recurrent outbreaks as it's been about a year since I first noticed anything. I guess another way to say it is do you typically see patients that come back for recurrent HSV1 outbreaks.
My one doctor said he's never had a patient come back for a recurrent HSV1 genital outbreak, only HSV2, and that it's unlikely I'd give a partner HSV1 genitally from genital-to-genital sex. Just trying to wrap my brain around that.
Again, I don't perform oral sex if I even feel a tickle on my lip. Two gf's ago we did everything even without a barrier and nothing ever happened and I don't remember her ever having a cold sore. I presume a person's immune system comes into play here too.
Thanks again.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Let me be certain that I have all the facts right:
1) you have a history of cold sores on your mouth
2) you gave a previous (???) partner HSV 1 genitally by giving her oral sex
3) You have a new partner (???) and you are concerned about giving her HSV 1 either from your mouth or your genitals?
Has your current partner been tested to determine if she is positive or negative for HSV 1? If she has not been tested, she should be tested. Or is your current partner your ex-girlfriend? I'm a little lost here.
If it is a new partner, she should be tested to determine her HSV 1 status (and HSV 2 status so you know if she might have HSV 2 and you don't).
If you have HSV 1 orally well established, which you do, which we've talked about before, then it is extremely unlikely you would get it genitally and therefore would not transmit.
If the situation is that you have HSV 1 orally and your partner is negative for HSV 1 and HSV 2, then it would be good for you to take daily therapy to reduce the risk of infected her through giving her oral sex. But there is a slight risk. To reduce the risk further, you could use a barrier like saran wrap.
Am I missing something here?
Terri
1) you have a history of cold sores on your mouth
2) you gave a previous (???) partner HSV 1 genitally by giving her oral sex
3) You have a new partner (???) and you are concerned about giving her HSV 1 either from your mouth or your genitals?
Has your current partner been tested to determine if she is positive or negative for HSV 1? If she has not been tested, she should be tested. Or is your current partner your ex-girlfriend? I'm a little lost here.
If it is a new partner, she should be tested to determine her HSV 1 status (and HSV 2 status so you know if she might have HSV 2 and you don't).
If you have HSV 1 orally well established, which you do, which we've talked about before, then it is extremely unlikely you would get it genitally and therefore would not transmit.
If the situation is that you have HSV 1 orally and your partner is negative for HSV 1 and HSV 2, then it would be good for you to take daily therapy to reduce the risk of infected her through giving her oral sex. But there is a slight risk. To reduce the risk further, you could use a barrier like saran wrap.
Am I missing something here?
Terri
Thanks for your time, Terri.
I understand you have many responsibilities beyond MedHelp, but I'm curious to know if you typically see many patients with recurrent genital HSV1. My gf and I do not use condoms and I refrain from performing oral if I feel a cold sore coming on. I've been completely open about everything I've gone through with this as I respect her as my partner and want her to make her own decisions, but so far (knock on wood) we've been ok. I told her what happened and that my one doc thought it was HSV, but the swab came back negative and then I tested positive for candida, etc.
The doctor I initially saw with the red patches told me during a follow up visit (and was kinda laughing) and said "you're making this a much bigger deal than it needs to...even if you had HSV1 genitally, it usually doesn't recur and if you go about a year, you can be confident you're not going to experience another episode...orally, you will, but not genitally" I know I'm jumping around here, but even if I did have genital HSV1, is there a risk I'd transmit this to my partner genitally as well? I really want to protect her.
I'd like to believe that is true, and while he sees many patients with STD-related matters, I'd like your "blessing" so to speak that this is the correct information.
After this, I understand I will have exhausted this thread, but just trying to put it behind me is all.
I understand you have many responsibilities beyond MedHelp, but I'm curious to know if you typically see many patients with recurrent genital HSV1. My gf and I do not use condoms and I refrain from performing oral if I feel a cold sore coming on. I've been completely open about everything I've gone through with this as I respect her as my partner and want her to make her own decisions, but so far (knock on wood) we've been ok. I told her what happened and that my one doc thought it was HSV, but the swab came back negative and then I tested positive for candida, etc.
The doctor I initially saw with the red patches told me during a follow up visit (and was kinda laughing) and said "you're making this a much bigger deal than it needs to...even if you had HSV1 genitally, it usually doesn't recur and if you go about a year, you can be confident you're not going to experience another episode...orally, you will, but not genitally" I know I'm jumping around here, but even if I did have genital HSV1, is there a risk I'd transmit this to my partner genitally as well? I really want to protect her.
I'd like to believe that is true, and while he sees many patients with STD-related matters, I'd like your "blessing" so to speak that this is the correct information.
After this, I understand I will have exhausted this thread, but just trying to put it behind me is all.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Most of the time, I would not call a red spot a lesion. Mostly, lesions, as i think of them, are either raised or fluid filled. HSV 1 genitally can recur, yes but usually infrequently genitally.
I have a pretty low opinion of clinicians who tell people, without ever seeing a lesions or doing the appropriate testing, that they likely have genital herpes. I mean, REALLY? that is such a life changing event for a lot of people. One should be certain.
Terri
I have a pretty low opinion of clinicians who tell people, without ever seeing a lesions or doing the appropriate testing, that they likely have genital herpes. I mean, REALLY? that is such a life changing event for a lot of people. One should be certain.
Terri
Also, (last thing I promise)...is it true that genital HSV1 infections usually don't recur? Guess I'm looking for closure that even in the event that what I had was genital HSV1, that it probably won't recur and I can put it behind me...
Thanks.
Thanks.
Hi Terri,
Thank you so much for the feedback. It's been a very frustrating thing to have hanging over my head considering I've received such conflicting physician/specialist feedback.
I had just a quick follow-up question. What exactly do you define a "lesion" as? The only reason I ask is because when I asked one urologist who said that "it sounded like herpes" (even though he never actually saw me when I first had the red patches) I asked, "even though I only had red patches without blisters or ulcers?"...he said "a red patch is considered a lesion...and trust me...a yeast infection wouldn't go away in a day...but Valtrex could make it go away that quickly..." To be honest, his response that I just posted was really the most troublesome for me; however, he's a urologist and doesn't necessarily "specialize" in STDs...but thought I'd ask what constitutes a lesion...
Thanks again for all your help.
Thank you so much for the feedback. It's been a very frustrating thing to have hanging over my head considering I've received such conflicting physician/specialist feedback.
I had just a quick follow-up question. What exactly do you define a "lesion" as? The only reason I ask is because when I asked one urologist who said that "it sounded like herpes" (even though he never actually saw me when I first had the red patches) I asked, "even though I only had red patches without blisters or ulcers?"...he said "a red patch is considered a lesion...and trust me...a yeast infection wouldn't go away in a day...but Valtrex could make it go away that quickly..." To be honest, his response that I just posted was really the most troublesome for me; however, he's a urologist and doesn't necessarily "specialize" in STDs...but thought I'd ask what constitutes a lesion...
Thanks again for all your help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
To me this sounds like a fungal infection far more than a herpes infection. If you have a firm history of hSV 1 orally, it is extremely unlikely that you would get a new HSV 1 infection genitally. Also, herpes in the uncircumcised male will most frequently present as lesions, not just a red area, and it doesn't go away in one day either. I disagree that one day of Valtrex makes a herpes lesion go away in a single day. Herpes lesions break the skin enough that it takes at least a few days, more often more, to heal a lesion.
The area under the foreskin is dark and moist and warm, the ideal environment for a little fungus to happily grow.
Terri
The area under the foreskin is dark and moist and warm, the ideal environment for a little fungus to happily grow.
Terri
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.
