[Question #11915] Genital HSV-1 Transmission
 |
11 months ago
|
I’m a 40 yr old female and diagnosed 13 yrs ago with HSV-1 genital herpes (labia sore tested via swab) and takes valacyclovir daily. A potential partner assumes he’s HSV-1 negative and we want to understand his risks. My questions assume no outbreak is present:How likely am I to pass genital HSV-1 to him via unprotected intercourse? And when using a condom? Is oral sex safe for him (as a receiver? And a giver)?
|
11 months ago
|
- Does kissing me put him at risk? (I’ve never had cold sores)
- Are there other sexual acts that put him at risk?
- How often is my body asymptomatic shedding? Is there know when it might occur so we can abstain?
 |
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
11 months ago
|
Once a person has had genital HSV 1 for two years or longer, they only shed virus on about 4 days out of an entire year. Close to half of men his age have HSV 1 infection so his assumption may or may not be accurate. Giving him oral sex presents no risk to him nor does kissing him. Him giving you oral sex presents an extremely tiny risk as does intercourse. There is no way to know when you are shedding virus, if you even are shedding virus at this point. In your case, he should likely be tested to see if he is actually negative for HSV 1 or not. A negative cold sore history is just not definitive.
Terri
--- |
11 months ago
|
Assuming he tests negative it sounds like the risk is low that I’ll pass it to him - what would be your top recommendations we do to keep his risk as low as possible (ie: require condoms??) Lastly, is there any other information you feel is important for us to know/understand about HSV-1 before starting a sexual relationship.
Thank you!!!
|
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
11 months ago
|
If he uses condoms and you take daily antiviral medication, the transmission risk is very low. His risk would be greater if he was receiving oral sex from someone with oral HSV 1 than it is from you.
Terri
---