Type 1 Genital Herpes - Could I be infected?

[Regulator]

I recently dated a woman who advised me that she had Type 1 Genital Herpes.  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.  

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.  My partner was asymptomatic (no outbreaks) during our time together.  The biggest risk factor I can think of would be vaginal fluid seeping through our underwear and came into contact with my penis.  I could have also inadvertently touched my penis after touching her vagina, 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.  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.  There would appear to be very tiny vesicule-looking bumps scattered on one side of my penis -  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.

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.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  You need not be worried about having acquired genital HSV-1 from your partner.  Not at all for the following reasons:

1.  You already have HSV-1 as indicated by your cold sores. The immunity to your own infection is systemic and will prevent you from acquiring further infection from others, even if exposed.
2.  HSV is spread by direct contact, not through indirect contact or secretions. You indicate that you did not have direct contact with her.
3.  Even if you'd had sex, genital HSV-1 is VERY rarely spread through genital contact.

The bumps you describe are likely normal features of the skin of your penis that you had not noticed in the past until you focused on it.  The do not sound the least bit like HSV.  If you are really concerned, you could get a PCR or culture test taken from the lesion - I predict it will be negative but in my opinion, not even that is needed.  I hope you will find my comments reassuring. EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help.  If they are HSV they would evolve in a matter of days, not weeks.  I am confident that you have little to worry aobut with respect to these "bumps"

EWH

[Regulator]

Thanks again.  If anything changes I will update.  Like I said, I am still wary, and wonder about the irritation in my genital area which has been somehat persistant.  

Perhaps the irritation is from a different source?  Perhaps another source of irritation could have caused the bumps?  Since the break-up, I've been doing a lot of cardio activity - running, weights, other exercise etc.  

Whatever the case may be, I've learned my lesson in stress: BE CAREFUL EVERYONE!

[Regulator]

Wanted to give you an update.  Went to see my doctor yesterday who examined my penis.  He looked over the "bumps" or "vesicles" and agreed that these were just normal features of my skin.  As a matter of fact, he advised not to worry about it because it's the worry that will get you.

Thanks for your help.  I'm still a bit wary of these bumps and will keep a close eye on them (it's hard to get past the fact that I just dated someone with herpes).  I imagine that if after a couple more weeks they do not progress or follow the typical herpes symptoms, then I'm in the clear.

[Regulator]

Wow!  That was fast!  And also very helpful.  

With respect to your second point regarding direct contact - My penis did not touch her vagina directly, no.  There was always a barrier - at least one pair of underwear.  That said, my hands and mouth did come into direct contact with your vagina with no barrier, thus my worry that I could have then touched myself directly and possibly passed it on.  

Any further thoughts?