Recently I ended 13.5-year mutually-monogamous relationship. Twelve years ago, I contracted genital HSV-1 from an oral herpes sore that was on my partner's mouth. I only had one genital lesion (which was swabbed and tested) and at the same time took a 10-day course of antiviral medicine (I cannot remember which one). I have not had any outbreaks since.

I am in a new relationship now and want to disclose my GHSV-1 status to to my partner, but I also want to convey that the risk of transmission to him is likely very low because viral shedding from GHSV-1 is rather low after year two.

Are you able to tell me the following:

What is the likely percentage of viral shedding for me at this point in time?

Given that I probably have several days of shedding a year, what represents the risk that my partner will actually contract GHSV-1 during the shedding period (assuming that not every partner who is exposed to viral shedding gets the disease)?

If we use a condom during sex, what is the reduction in risk associated with that?

What is the likely percentage of viral shedding for me at this point in time?

After someone is infected with genital HSV 1 for 2 years, they shed on about 4 days out of the year so at 12 years, likely less

Given that I probably have several days of shedding a year, what represents the risk that my partner will actually contract GHSV-1 during the shedding period (assuming that not every partner who is exposed to viral shedding gets the disease)?

Unknown - depends upon if they are also infected, even if they don't know that they are.

If we use a condom during sex, what is the reduction in risk associated with that?

Condoms reduce the risk of transmission of HSV 2 from females to males by 65%  likely far better for HSV 1 because shedding is so infrequent.  I am assuming you are female??

Terri

To clarify, I am female. 

For your response to the question regarding the risk that my partner will contract GHSV-1 during viral shedding, let's assume that my partner is not infected with any HSV. Also, I would also assume that if he were HSV-1 positive because of herpes antibodies from childhood, his risk of getting GHSV-1 from me would be very low.

Terri