I have HSV 1.  Can HSV 1 be transmitted by semen.  I have not had a breakout on my lips in years.  If there was are no symptoms, would HSV 1 be transmitted by semen during intercourse?

If you only have oral HSV 1, HSV 1 cannot be submitted via semen no, absolutely not.

Terri
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my blood test indicates negative for HSV 2 and positive for HSV 1.  Would the only way I can transmit this be if I was infectious, for example if I had an outbreak and kissed someone?  And just to confirm what you have written, HSV 1 can not be transmitted via semen.

So let me clarify just a bit - you have, at some point in your life, had a cold sore on your lip, right, even if not in years, you have had them?  This would indicate the location of your HSV 1 infection.  If your infection is oral (cold sores) then the virus is only transmittable from your mouth, not your genital and definitely not through semen.  It is possible to transmit the virus from your mouth, even if you don't have a cold sore at the moment.  This isn't common but it happens and is the cause of some new infections.  But given that 56% of the US population between 14 and 49 already have HSV 1, this is not likely.

Terri
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