Reassurance for OHSV-1

[morningglory04]

Hello, newbie here.

I've had oral HSV-1 for about 8 months or so now. I'm currently 2 months into the first relationship I've since diagnosis, and we are both concerned. I am on Valtrex as well as other supplements - Lysine, etc, and I feel like the outbreaks are getting less severe; however, the last thing I want to do is pass this to the guy I'm seeing.

We've had the talk, he's super supportive but I think we are both looking for reassurance that it is feasible to carry on a long-term relationship safely, without passing it on. Anyone have a reassuring experience to share? It would be greatly appreciated.

Outside of suppression therapy and being extra careful around outbreak times (which we are already doing) are there any other suggestions?

[daisy315]

If your HSV1 is soley Oral then all you have to do is avoid Oral sex unless it's protected this will lessen the risk of it transmitting to your partners genitals ..... for what it's worth over 80% of the population have Oral HSV1 and I don't see people stopping kissing anytime soon for fear of getting it ..... but it's best to try to avoid passing to the genitals as it's much more of a deal in that area than orally to be fair.

Daisy

[morningglory04]

Thanks Daisy! My HSV-1 is actually solely oral, but these first few months have been fairly brutal with a major outbreak about every 6 weeks and lasting 2+ weeks each time.

[daisy315]

I am assuming your HSV1 is genital ? if so you are doing all you can to prevent transmission but using a condom would give extra protection ...... Of course it is feasable to carry on a very normal relationship,however, there is no guarantee that it will not be transmiited,all you can do is your best to keep him safe by using a condom and Suppressive Therapy and abstaining from sex altogether during an outbreak all of which will  greatly reduce his risk,many couples maintain very long,happy and loving relationships and the virus is never transmitted when these very simple safety measures are taken   .....

Daisy