[Question #12460] HSV 1 from oral sex

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10 months ago
If I have never had any HSV 1 symptoms  oral or genital - and we assume for the sake of the question , I am not infected 

What are the chances that if I received unprotected oral sex from someone with HSV 1 , I could get it genitally and 2) that the initial outbreak would show no symptoms if I were paying attention ?
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10 months ago
Hi - it’s been a week with no response so checking back. 

A second question 
: what is more likely to pass HSV genitally as a man. 

Unprotected oral sex (receiving ) or condom protected vaginal sex ? Trying to understand relative risk 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
10 months ago
You can assume that you are not infected because you've had no symptoms but that could well be an error on your part as people can have HSV 1 without symptoms
We don't have any statistics about the question that you are asking.  About 70% of those actually infected with HSV 1 do not report any symptoms consistent with the infection.
the greater risk between the two scenarios that you present is by far receiving unprotected oral sex.

Terri
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10 months ago
Thank you. 
If I give oral to a woman, is it virtually impossible to get any kind of hav? I think I saw Dr. H he said he had never seen that actually happen 
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10 months ago
Also, my wife and i have an open relationship. She has HSV 1 orally. 
Should I really be worried about getting HSV 1 from oral sex from someone else when we do not use protection when she gives me oral? 

How protected is she if I get HSV1 genitally outside our relationship considering she has it already orally? 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
10 months ago
HAV?  do you mean HIV?  I've never seen that happen nor have I heard of it happening, if you mean HIV
If your wife has HSV 1 orally, she is extremely unlikely to acquire this in a new location (genitally) if somehow you got it from someone else. 
Also if your wife kisses you and/or  gives you oral sex, there is a reasonable chance that you already have HSV 1, even if you have no symptoms.  Since this seems to be a worry of yours, you should consider getting tested for HSV 1, just to know for sure one way or the other.

Terri
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