Aa
Type 1 Genital Herpes - Could I be infected?
I would appreciate an expert opinion on my situation. Thanks in advance.
I recently dated a woman who, very bravely and responsibly, advised me that she had Type 1 Genital Herpes, likely contracted through oral sex with her first sexual partner who had cold sores. She and I were sexually active together - oral sex without barriers on one another, dryhumping with at least one pair of underwear on, etc. - but we did not ever engage in sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, after six weeks of dating we split.
Having read some of the posts by experts on this subject on this site already, I understand that the risk of me being infected is very low. I also have had type 1 oral herpes since childhood, which I understand is a partial innoculation of sorts, further reducing my risk of contracting the genital variety. My partner was asymptomatic (no outbreaks) during our time together. The biggest risk factor I can think of would be during our dry-humping some of her vaginal fluid could have very well seeped through our underwear and came into contact with my penis. I could have also inadvertently touched my penis after touching, although I was very careful not too and washed my hands frequently.
Question 1: Given the above facts, what are the chances I could have contracted type 1 genital herpes?
It has been two weeks since our last physical contact. The timing is perhaps unfortunate and/or coincidental, but over the last several days I've noticed an infintesimally small abrasion or cut on the shaft of my penis which has been painful at times. I've had one or two in the past, but have always attributed this to a nick caused by some random contact or masterbation. I've also had some tingling/itching sensation in my general genital area. What's more, and I could be imagining this, there would appear to be very tiny vesicule-looking bumps scattered on one side of my penis - again with the poor timing, these could very well have always been there, but now I'm suddenly paying VERY close attention to my penis. Having seens some of the more severe pictures of genital herpes on the internet, my symptoms do not match the severity of these, nothing like a very obvious and pronounced and painful cluster that threatens to break open, bleed, then scab over. Then again, I've seen other pictures where the symptoms aren't nearly as pronounced, but still considered herpes.
Question 2: Given my symptoms, does this sound like a Type 1 Genital Herpes outbreak to you?
Of course, going to see my doctor would be an obvious first step, but I would greatly appreciate some input and possibly peace of mind here first.
I recently dated a woman who, very bravely and responsibly, advised me that she had Type 1 Genital Herpes, likely contracted through oral sex with her first sexual partner who had cold sores. She and I were sexually active together - oral sex without barriers on one another, dryhumping with at least one pair of underwear on, etc. - but we did not ever engage in sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, after six weeks of dating we split.
Having read some of the posts by experts on this subject on this site already, I understand that the risk of me being infected is very low. I also have had type 1 oral herpes since childhood, which I understand is a partial innoculation of sorts, further reducing my risk of contracting the genital variety. My partner was asymptomatic (no outbreaks) during our time together. The biggest risk factor I can think of would be during our dry-humping some of her vaginal fluid could have very well seeped through our underwear and came into contact with my penis. I could have also inadvertently touched my penis after touching, although I was very careful not too and washed my hands frequently.
Question 1: Given the above facts, what are the chances I could have contracted type 1 genital herpes?
It has been two weeks since our last physical contact. The timing is perhaps unfortunate and/or coincidental, but over the last several days I've noticed an infintesimally small abrasion or cut on the shaft of my penis which has been painful at times. I've had one or two in the past, but have always attributed this to a nick caused by some random contact or masterbation. I've also had some tingling/itching sensation in my general genital area. What's more, and I could be imagining this, there would appear to be very tiny vesicule-looking bumps scattered on one side of my penis - again with the poor timing, these could very well have always been there, but now I'm suddenly paying VERY close attention to my penis. Having seens some of the more severe pictures of genital herpes on the internet, my symptoms do not match the severity of these, nothing like a very obvious and pronounced and painful cluster that threatens to break open, bleed, then scab over. Then again, I've seen other pictures where the symptoms aren't nearly as pronounced, but still considered herpes.
Question 2: Given my symptoms, does this sound like a Type 1 Genital Herpes outbreak to you?
Of course, going to see my doctor would be an obvious first step, but I would greatly appreciate some input and possibly peace of mind here first.
Best Answer
Thanks - Posted in the expert forum and received a very comforting answer:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Type-1-Genital-Herpes---Could-I-be-infected/show/1365317?personal_page_id=1822905#post_6232269
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Type-1-Genital-Herpes---Could-I-be-infected/show/1365317?personal_page_id=1822905#post_6232269
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs Community
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.
If you want an expert opinion visit the Expert STD forum.
I think you already know the answer to question 1:, it was a low risk, LOW. The only time you put yourself at risk was from unprotected oral sex.
Question 2: It doesn't sound like genital herpes outbreak. You would have to get the bumps cultured.