G-HSV1 genital to genital transmission

[tcb25]

Hello Doctor,

I have a few questions and concerns, I am a male and I've acquired G-HSV1, 3 years ago in an oral encounter and have O-HSV1 as well. I am in a relationship now and at times I have unprotected sex with my GF. Last night I felt a certain sensation a kinda painful feeling in the area of my initial outbreak 3 years ago. (right below and under the head of the penis on both sides of the frenulum). A few pours were raised a bit and kinda red. However, we still engaged in unprotected genital sex.

So my concerns are:

1) Is it possible that I was having an outbreak?

2) What are the possibilities of transmission if she does not have HSV1?

3) If she does have HSV1 is she immune orally and genitally?

4) What's an accurate test for HSV1

5) Is it possible that I could have given her HSV1 in the 6 months we've been together via kissing or unprotected oral sex?

6) She has said that she has had fever blisters in her childhood is that the same as cold sores? Are there bumps on the lips that are not associated with herpes?

My main concern is transmitting G-HSV1 through unprotected genital intercourse. Is the risk factor high during an outbreak?

Thank you so much for your help doctor!

[yogini3]

tcb25,
I have a similar situation. I never had a swab done. When I had my first outbreak, which was VERY painful with quite a few blisters gentially, the doctor did not take a swab nor a blood test.

11 years lasted and I finally had a proper blood test that was type specific. I test high on HSV1 antibodies. Since I had such a severe initial OB gentially I have to believe I have g-HSV1.

I haven't had another outbreak in 13-14 years so I haven't had a chance to get a swab test!

[tcb25]

Thanks so much for your support. I really appreciate your responses. I've actually taken many hsv-2 tests and always comes out negative. I had symptoms after an oral incident and had 2 small painful blisters a week after exposure. That's why I think I have G-hsv1, I've also had a few cold sores after that exposure as well. So I'm thinking I was hsv1 neg before that incident. It's a bummer but I guess you guys are right I never had a swab test. After the incident I've noticed some changes in my genital area, like itchiness, and sensations there, and small raises in that area so I guessed that I had it. The outbreaks are not that frequent so I think it would be hard to get a swab test done at this point. But if something comes up, I'll keep that in mind and possibly get that done.

[gracefromHHP]

I totally 2nd bob's advice - repeat your testing to see if indeed you are hsv2 negative or not. as well as if you have active genital symptoms now, you could be seen today for a lesion culture though with a recurrences a few days later is more likely to result in a false negative, even with pcr swabbing :(

def make sure your partner gets tested too and should see develop any symptoms she should be seen. I know it gets hard to do that over a holiday weekend :(

[bobrope45]

A high number does not mean anything - it's just a number that might even fluctuate over time and it is related to the chemestry of the test.

Besides, if you had a blood test too soon (before 3-4 months after symptoms), you most likely should disregard its results. Blood tests take time to pick up a recent infection.

As Grace said, a genital HSV1 infection should always be confirmed with a swab, not by blood test. That`s because many people have HSV1 orally, so it`s hard to distinguish if one's infection is oral or genital solely by blood test.

If you are so sure your symptoms were herpetic, you should pursue another blood test to make sure you`re not actually HSV2+. It would be ideal for both of you - you and your partner - to learn your status when it comes to herpes.

[tcb25]

I"m pretty sure I have it Grace ...my initial OB was memorable (had 2 painful blisters)....and at the time I tested high 8.5 meaning I was having an outbreak...?

[gracefromHHP]

you can't diagnose hsv1 genitally through blood testing. you need a lesion culture and typing of active symptoms to do so. you really at this point have no idea if you have hsv1 orally or genitally at this point to be honest.

your partner need tested to know her status too.

[tcb25]

After having symptoms, I took the Igg blood test and tested neg for type 2 but a high positive for type 1....are there different igg tests or is it just one standard test?

p.s. I'm really worried about transmitting to my partner, I felt something and had unprotected...if she is hsv1 neg is it almost certain that I would transmit it to her...or is it hit or miss?

[gracefromHHP]

I know the std experts forum limits the amount of questions they accept a day - perhaps that's how you ended up here?

yes the igg blood tests are fairly accurate. there are false positive issues with the hsv2 igg testing and false negative issues with the hsv1 testing but overall they are accurate for the vast majority of people who get them done.


how were you diagnosed as having hsv1 genitally?

[tcb25]

p.s. How do I pay to ask a question? I clicked on the doctor's forum and ask my question...

[tcb25]

Is the igg blood test accurate? I heard hsv1 blood tests are falsely positive many times due to the other types of hsv1 antibodies such as the chicken pox etc...

[gracefromHHP]

this is not the doctor's forum. you have to pay to post there.

has your partner been tested to know her own herpes status?

yes the odds of transmitting the infection when you have active symptoms and have unprotected sex are high if your partner doesn't already have hsv1.

grace