[Question #5641] HSV-1 Genital Herpes
73 months ago
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Why is it unlikely for HSV-1 genital herpes to be transmitted via intercourse, is the source of HSV-1 always through the mouth/orally whether kissing or oral sex? Is it common to spread HSV-1 genital herpes to oral HSV-1 to a negative partner if they were to perform oral sex on the positive pattern? Is it common practice for someone to tell a partner that they have HSV-1 with oral or genital? I have never had a partner tell me whether or not they have been infected with HSV-1 since it seems like oral herpes does not have the social stigma associated with it compared to genital which is usually associated with HSV-2 through sexual intercourse.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
73 months ago
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It is unlikely to be spread through intercourse because HSV 1 genital infection is only shed from the genitals, on average, 18 days out of a year. it isn't impossible - it has been documented in the literature, but it is rare indeed. It is NOT common to transmit HSV 1 from the genitals to the mouth of an uninfected person but again it is possible. I think it is important to disclose one's HSV 1 status but not everyone agrees with me about this so there are different points of view on this issue. I think a person who has known cold sores should disclose this prior to giving oral sex to someone else. The majority of new cases of herpes are now HSV 1, not HSV 2 and the vast majority is due to receiving oral sex.
Terri
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73 months ago
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Is someone with prior known cold sores more likely to spread HSV-1 than someone with genital HSV-1? When I was recently infected the symptoms were only on the shaft of my penis. Do you think it is fairly safe to say that with correct use of a condom I wouldn't be able to infect a future partner?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
73 months ago
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The person with recurrent cold sores sheds virus on about 25% of days vs. a person with genital HSV 1 sheds on about 55 of days. A condom reduces the transmission of HSV by 96% - that is true for HSV 2 but mechanically, I think it would be just the same with HSV 1, yes.
Terri
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73 months ago
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I am confused, you mentioned genital HSV-1 sheds 18 days (~5%) in an earlier message but now this says 55 days per year. Can you please confirm which is correct.
--- "It is unlikely to be spread through intercourse because HSV 1 genital infection is only shed from the genitals, on average, 18 days out of a year. "
73 months ago
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If someone does not have recurrent cold sores how often is the virus shed? And with genital HSV-1, if one does not have any outbreaks after the initial outbreak what is the shed rate? Thank you!