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recently diagnosed with genital hsv1

Hi all,

my partner performed oral sex on me about two weeks ago and a week later I had an outbreak and was told I have hsv1. my tests results came back today and confirmed it. i'm fine with the diagnoses, i've talked to my partner and he is very supportive.. we are still confused as to how he contracted it because he had no visible sores on his mouth and has not been with anyone for a few years now.. i have a few questions, i haven't been able to talk to my doctor yet so i am hoping you all can give me some feedback PLEASE

1) i am assuming I got it from my partner because I have not been with anyone else but the the confusing part is that he hasnt either (i believe him) and he didnt have any sores in his mouth or anything.. i know it can lie dormant but it's still hard for me to wrap my head around it. has anyone ever heard of this?  

2) again, assuming my partner has it too, can we still kiss and have a sexual relationship? i am scared about even kissing him because i dont want another outbreak (most painful week of my life.. thank god for valtrex!!)  i know that if i have sores or he has sores, we shouldnt but the confusing part is that the first time (when i got it from him) he didnt have visible sores either.. so now I am paranoid!!

3) my doctor told me i have genital hsv 1.. so does that mean if i get another outbreak, it will be in the genital area? will i ever get sores or anything on my face??

4) i was supposed to get my period the same time that i had my first outbreak. i didnt get my period that week and now, i have spotting for the past three days after my outbreak cleared up. it is dark brown blood like the kind that i normally get towards the end of my period. what does this mean? i never spot!


thank u all for your help!!
Best Answer
Avatar universal
There would be little doubt your partner has an oral HSV1 infection. Up to half of the people with this virus have no recollection of cold sores. Further, your partner has probably been infected orally since his youth. Most oral HSV1 is transmitted by non sexual partners. It quite often is from the mother to her children.

On to your questions:
1. Yes 60% of the population have an oral HSV1 infection. 20-30% of the population are carriers who have no recollection of cold sores.
2. In theory, if you are careful for the next six months then your immune system will protect you from further infection. Remember you have been exposed to HSV1 all your life and were never infected orally.
3. Correct, your sacral nerve ganglion is infected meaning outbreaks are limited to the boxer short area roughly. Note that 50% of people with a genital HSV1 infection never have another outbreak.
4. I'm no help here.
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Avatar universal
You are susceptible to an oral infection for a few months. No more so than you have ever been though in your life.

You cannot trigger outbreaks in each other, that comes internally.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your feedback. just to clarify, is kissing ok? or will that put us at risk for another outbreak??
Helpful - 0
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