I’m a 52 year old heterosexual male. In 2017, I contracted HSV1 cold sores from kissing a woman. I have never had a herpes lesion on my genitals that I know of. I have never tested positive for an STD except HSV1 via IGG blood testing. On 14 May 2023, I had unprotected vaginal sexual intercourse for the first time with a woman. She told me afterwards that she had herpes but she took Valtrex for suppressive therapy. A couple weeks later, she performed oral sex on me. We only had vaginal sex on one night. On 31 July 2023, I tested negative for HSV2 (appx 11 weeks after vag sex and 9 after receiving oral sex). The test was a IGG blood test. First question is: Since I tested negative for HSV2 during the test I took 11 weeks after vaginal sex and 9 weeks after receiving oral sex, how much trust can I have that I’m HSV2 negative based on the 31 July 2023 test?

Second question: I started dating a nurse in 2023. When we first started dating, I told her that I had HSV1 as cold sores and would have to be careful with oral sex. I rarely performed oral sex on her. Sadly, she contracted genital HSV1 in March 2024. Her doctor confirmed via swab it was HSV1. Since her GHSV1 diagnoses, we have used condoms because I have been fearful of contracting it on my genitals. My questions is: Since I already have HSV1 as cold sores, am I likely to contract it on my genitalia if we have sex without a condom? Should I continue to use a condom to try to prevent possible infection on my genitals?

Thank you for your help. I have another question. Since I tested negative for HSV2 at 11 weeks post incident, the woman I was with took Valtrex, and I haven’t had any genital herpes symptoms for the past year, would you recommend taking any further tests?  It seems at this point, it may not be necessary.

With regards to the HSV1 issue, I’ll likely keep using a condom. My girlfriend is unable to take birth control, so I need to continue using condoms. We have had sex a few times without using condoms but normally use them. Again, thank for your help. This is a great website.