Transmission of genital HSV-1

[lucy0777]

I contracted GHSV-1 through oral sex 13 years ago (from someone who had no visible symptoms, nor mentioned that he ever had cold sores). Since then, I've had two or three minor outbreaks over the years, usually brought on by stress, that are very mild to nonexistent and last 2-3 days. I am frustrated by the double standard that exists between oral and genital type 1 and often feel bitter about having to disclose my status--especially when so many people who have the same virus on their mouth are not obligated to. I am always careful--use a condom, take Lysine daily and Valtrex as needed, and never have sex during an active outbreak--but I still get stressed and worried about passing it genitally. Is there a high risk of transmission of GHSV-1 from genital to genital?  Is there a high risk of me infecting my partner?

[lucy0777]

Thank you very much for your reply, and your honest, upfront attitude about herpes. I wish more people would take the time to educate themselves and realize that it isn't the end of the world. At the rate it's being spread, I think an attitude shift is critical.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the STD forum.  I'll try to help.

The bottom line is that the risk of sexual transmission of genital HSV-1 infection is very low, probably especially low in persons like you, with few symptomatic recurrences and taking. Whether it is low enough for infected people to be free of the need to inform their future sex partners is a judgment call -- an ethical issue without a clear right or wong answer.  Clearly the risk of transmission for any particular sexual episode is very low in your situation, especially if you indeed use condoms consistently.  Personally, I don't have a problem if people in your situation don't inform all sex partners of their genital HSV-1 infections.  However, others would disagree with me on this.

As frustrating as the "double standard" may be, it's not terribly surprising, given the psychological factors that influence sex, partner selection, and so on.

Here is another thread from a year ago, which goes into some of these issues in more detail.  Perhaps you'll find it helpful:   http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Recently-diagnosed-with-Genital-Herpes-HSV1/show/969931

Finally, you might consider starting a discussion on the herpes community forum.  You'll probably find quite a range of opinions on the obligation (or not) to inform partners.

I hope this helps.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[scaredandconfused185]

wait..not to barge in on anything, but i thought the doctors on this forum said that the risk of getting herpes through oral is very little..and that if there were no sores or visible lesions, then transmission is minimum...very little.

now i'm scared...