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Spread of herpes to other areas of body between infected spouses
Both my husband and I have had genital herpes (HSV 2) for over 10 yrs. (Diagnosed w/blood tests.) (He infected me and didn't know that was what he had prior to me being tested.) We have always avoided oral sex b/c I am afraid that we could spread the herpes virus from genitals to mouth or throat or internal organs. I'd like for us to be able to have oral sex, but not if it will further spread the virus. We are both taking Famvir daily and almost never have outbreaks. I also know that it is possible to spread the virus without an outbreak. Please don't suggest condoms or dental dams - I'd rather just skip it altogether. Also, I know that prophylactics often don't protect against spreading the virus. Here's my question: Can we actually have oral sex without risk of spreading the virus to other body parts? And if so, please explain why the virus won't spread. Also, could either of us still spread it to our eyes if, say, touching genitalia then rubbing our eyes? Will we need to take Famvir forever?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. I'll try to help.
I'm sorry to hear you and your husband have been worrying about this, and modifying your sexual expression with one another. You're going way overboard in trying to prevent transmission to one another. You don't even need the Famvir.
Once someone is infected with HSV of either type (HSV-1 or HSV-2), s/he develops immunity to a new infection with the same type and is very unlikely to ever catch a new infection on a new part of the body. Therefore, couples never "ping-pong" their HSV infections back and forth. In fact, one of the standard counseling messages we give couples with herpes is that there is a silver lining in both members having the same virus strain: that they need never worry again about transmission to each other. Neither your nor your husband is likely to ever catch your partner's genital infection orally. And for the same reason, auto-inoculation -- i.e. spread of the virus to a new spot on your own body -- is also very rare. Finally, in your situation, the near-zero risk of transmission is even lower since you're taking Famvir.
My advice is for you to speak with your health care provider(s) about this, and discuss whther to stop taking the Famvir. The main reason for suppressive treatment of genital herpes is to prevent transmission to people who are not yet infected; or to preven frequent outbreaks. If either of you starts having frequent outbreaks after the drug is stopped, he or she can restart it. But it definitely isn't needed to prevent transmission to each other. And by the way, herpes never spreads to internal organs, whether by oral sex or any other way.
I hope this gets you started on a path toward more rewarding sex in your marriage. Really, you should not be at all worried about herpes. There is no risk to either of you.
Regards-- HHH, MD
I'm sorry to hear you and your husband have been worrying about this, and modifying your sexual expression with one another. You're going way overboard in trying to prevent transmission to one another. You don't even need the Famvir.
Once someone is infected with HSV of either type (HSV-1 or HSV-2), s/he develops immunity to a new infection with the same type and is very unlikely to ever catch a new infection on a new part of the body. Therefore, couples never "ping-pong" their HSV infections back and forth. In fact, one of the standard counseling messages we give couples with herpes is that there is a silver lining in both members having the same virus strain: that they need never worry again about transmission to each other. Neither your nor your husband is likely to ever catch your partner's genital infection orally. And for the same reason, auto-inoculation -- i.e. spread of the virus to a new spot on your own body -- is also very rare. Finally, in your situation, the near-zero risk of transmission is even lower since you're taking Famvir.
My advice is for you to speak with your health care provider(s) about this, and discuss whther to stop taking the Famvir. The main reason for suppressive treatment of genital herpes is to prevent transmission to people who are not yet infected; or to preven frequent outbreaks. If either of you starts having frequent outbreaks after the drug is stopped, he or she can restart it. But it definitely isn't needed to prevent transmission to each other. And by the way, herpes never spreads to internal organs, whether by oral sex or any other way.
I hope this gets you started on a path toward more rewarding sex in your marriage. Really, you should not be at all worried about herpes. There is no risk to either of you.
Regards-- HHH, MD
Thank you so much for your prompt and thorough answer. This is very helpful information which I am going to be happy to share with my husband! Bless you!
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
