Lesbian with HSV 1-Genitally

[dramaqueen2951]

I have not found this question directly asked or answered. So here it goes:

In a lesbian relationship, if one partner is infected with HSV 1, genitally...while the other is negative for both. What is the likelihood of transmission? More background: The infected partner has been diagnosed for 10 years and only has had 2 OB's.

I have read numerous other tid bits online, and they suggest wearing gloves, using dental dam, etc. Call me crazy, but that just seems a bit extreme.

It seems to me, that assuming both partners are informed regarding each other's health that the transmission rate would be really low.

I have been in exclusive hetero relationships my whole life. My male partners that were negative HSV never used the precautions (such as dental dam, gloves) and my most recent ex (of 4 years) did not use condoms. Nothing was transmitted.

Now that I have come to the realization that I am bi-sexual, I just wanted to hear from others in similar situations. In the event that I do enter into a relationship for a woman, what are some real-life facts?

[gracefromHHP]

you got that right - cya is the motto for many of us, some have to cover it  more than others ( and not because of size of said buttocks either just because of what they do for a living! ).  Being here as a non-medical volunteer, I don't have to cya quite as much ;)

Less than 10% of hsv1 genital infections are from genital to genital contact, it happens but not frequently. oral to genital contact is the main mode of transmission.

[dramaqueen2951]

Thanks, Grace.

More to the point:

Transmitting genital hsv1 genitally seems like it would be about as likely as getting struck by lightening, especially in a lesbian relationship. (Assuming no active infection is present. Also assuming the skin-to-skin contact is kept to a minimum, though that is difficult to measure.)

Transmitting genital hsv1 orally seems like it is the most at risk of the two possibilities. Though that seems rare to me as well. Based on my readings, and real life experience. (Again, assuming no active infection is present)

I'm not suggesting that hsv1 genitally is something to be cavalier about. I'm just wondering if any others out there can relate. I would like to hear others stories. Reading online stats and doctors forums are good...but in the end they add a disclaimer to cover themselves, in the event that their info is misconstrued.

[gracefromHHP]

overall the risk of transmission of genital hsv1 is very low. It only sheds about 3% of days which comes out to less than a dozen days out of the year that the virus is active. the odds of having intimate contact on one of those days is low too.

totally up to you and your partner if you want to use barrier protection or not.

keep asking questions!

grace