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multiple genital HSV-1 questions
Hello, I have been recently diagnosed with HSV-1 genitally through a swab test. Although I have read hundreds of websites I still find myself obsessing over it. I know it is a very common virus that is growing in number daily I just need reassurance. With a condom and steady anti-viral medication (valtrex) how contagious am I assuming I'm not experiencing an outbreak during sexual activity? Without a condom? Can I receive oral sex? I've read many websites expressing its low transmission rate but still worried I'll infect someone. If anyone with experience in this area can give me some facts and/or valid answers I would appreciate it very much.
That is all correct. There is no reason to believe that someone would not tell you of a HIV infection or that they would not know they were infected. HIV testing is extremely commonplace with everything from annual check ups to proceeding minor medical procedures to being added to many blood tests requested by doctors.
Most women will test positive for HPV in their lifetimes, there is no testing available for males. Most HPV is innocuous and is cleared by your body within 2 years. The vaccine is most effective so that has reduced any concerns dramatically.
Most women will test positive for HPV in their lifetimes, there is no testing available for males. Most HPV is innocuous and is cleared by your body within 2 years. The vaccine is most effective so that has reduced any concerns dramatically.
And usually people know they have HIV correct? They're not just out there having sex with people and infecting them right? My Gynecologist told me 90% of the population has HPV and you get it if you've ever had a sexual encounter. I tested positive for HPV (because I've been sexually active) and he wasn't concerned, I just want to make sure it's not a big deal. especially if 90% of the population has it and you get it from just being sexually active.
First, having unprotected sex with someone with HIV represents a risk of infection. If this doesn't happen then the risk is zero.
There seems to be some evidence that the presence of proteins in the blood stream associated with a HSV infection actually give the HSV virus a greater chance of infecting the body. However this is irrelevant unless you have unprotected sex with an infected person.
HPV is a virus often associated with genital warts and cervical cancer. Speak to your doctor about the vaccination that is very effective.
There seems to be some evidence that the presence of proteins in the blood stream associated with a HSV infection actually give the HSV virus a greater chance of infecting the body. However this is irrelevant unless you have unprotected sex with an infected person.
HPV is a virus often associated with genital warts and cervical cancer. Speak to your doctor about the vaccination that is very effective.
Knowing me I've come up with another question I dreamed up. Since I have genital HSV 1 what are my chances of getting HIV? Is it the same as people without HSV 1? Also what is HPV?
Thank you so much for your time and patience. I read different websites that freaked me out and a doctor would only tell me is could be passed. She never would tell me how unlikely it is. If I dream up any more crazy questions I'll let you know! Thanks again!
Absolutely negligible or zero. Penetrative sex is the only practical means of infection, even that is incredibly low.
You have been extremely helpful, thank you! Last question, promise!
I should have been more clear but what are the chances someone catches herpes whitlow from touching my genitals? (not during a breakout of course)
and the chances of them touching my genitals then them touching them selves? Sorry for all the personal, in detail questions.
I should have been more clear but what are the chances someone catches herpes whitlow from touching my genitals? (not during a breakout of course)
and the chances of them touching my genitals then them touching them selves? Sorry for all the personal, in detail questions.
The very vast majority of people once the infection is established (say 6 months) never transfer the infection to another part of their body or become infected in another location. It is exceptionally rare.
With HSV1 I am of the view that disclosure is not relevant. Most people with HSV1 in the world do not realize what it is and hence do not disclose. It is an accepted risk in life. To have it genitally versus orally is irrelevant since the risk to a partner who doesn't have HSV1 is still the 'same' in the sense of their mouth and genitals being at risk. Having a genital infection actually means a lower chance of transmission versus having it orally.
Does Aunt Fanny disclose to everyone she kisses on the cheek that she has HSV1? Of course not.
Having said it is not relevant also means that I'm of the view that if you are aware of your infection then there is no particular reason not to disclose to a partner. If they aren't mature enough to handle such a conversation, are they life partner material anyway.
Hence I would suggest that you disclose that you have the cold sore virus and it may be possible, although highly unlikely that you would infect them. Remember the most likely response is "I get cold sores too". In this case you cannot practically infect each other further.
With HSV1 I am of the view that disclosure is not relevant. Most people with HSV1 in the world do not realize what it is and hence do not disclose. It is an accepted risk in life. To have it genitally versus orally is irrelevant since the risk to a partner who doesn't have HSV1 is still the 'same' in the sense of their mouth and genitals being at risk. Having a genital infection actually means a lower chance of transmission versus having it orally.
Does Aunt Fanny disclose to everyone she kisses on the cheek that she has HSV1? Of course not.
Having said it is not relevant also means that I'm of the view that if you are aware of your infection then there is no particular reason not to disclose to a partner. If they aren't mature enough to handle such a conversation, are they life partner material anyway.
Hence I would suggest that you disclose that you have the cold sore virus and it may be possible, although highly unlikely that you would infect them. Remember the most likely response is "I get cold sores too". In this case you cannot practically infect each other further.
Thank you so much for your time and information! As you can see I'm a littler freaked out. I have just a few more questions that are bothering me. Since i have it genitally can I get it orally? I read up on "herpes whitlow" and that scared me, what are the odds that can happen? or touch me then touch themselves and pass it? One last thing, since the transmission rates are so little what is your opinion on telling someone this before a sexual encounter? is it necessary?
If you are actually shedding, the odds of transmission are still around 0.5% for that episode.
Generally vaginal sex will be required top transmit or some pretty vigorous oral sex.
Touching genitals is exceptionally small risk.
Remember if the guy has oral HSV1 already then you can uhhhhm well let's say you can rest your head on the pillow with no fears.
Generally vaginal sex will be required top transmit or some pretty vigorous oral sex.
Touching genitals is exceptionally small risk.
Remember if the guy has oral HSV1 already then you can uhhhhm well let's say you can rest your head on the pillow with no fears.
Thank you very much for your information. It seems I am making this a bigger deal than it actually is. I'm still a little uncertain about some things such as fooling around or foreplay. Assuming I AM shedding the virus during this time and I choose to be sexually active can I pass the virus to a man if he touches my genitals? Can I receive oral sex?
The transmission rates are very low. According to one measure, you shed about 10-15 days a year. You may only be infectious 0 to 5 of these.
Hence it is not worth taking antivirals 365 days a year to reduce infectious days from about 4 to 2. Add the odds you'll even have sex those days and you'll see how unnecessary it is.
Condoms will provide excellent protection male to female and reduce the odds by up to 70%. Note the odds are already very low.
You'll never eliminate the risks, however you are much lower than people with oral HSV1, and that's 60% of the population.
The best protection of all is to be with a partner with HSV1, and most will be just randomly. Then there is essentially no chance of infecting their genitals.
Hence it is not worth taking antivirals 365 days a year to reduce infectious days from about 4 to 2. Add the odds you'll even have sex those days and you'll see how unnecessary it is.
Condoms will provide excellent protection male to female and reduce the odds by up to 70%. Note the odds are already very low.
You'll never eliminate the risks, however you are much lower than people with oral HSV1, and that's 60% of the population.
The best protection of all is to be with a partner with HSV1, and most will be just randomly. Then there is essentially no chance of infecting their genitals.
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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.
