[Question #7314] HSV 1 Genital Transmission from Female to uninfected Male

59 months ago

This question is for my friend. She contracted HSV 1 Genital from oral sex 25 years ago when she was 25 years old now she's 50 and is wanting to know the transmission rate from female to an uninfected male via intercourse and oral sex? She had unprotected sex with her male partner on 08/15/20; 08/25/20; 09/07/20; 09/19/20; 09/28/20 and 10/10/20, so she was wanting to know how likely it can be transmitted? We did some research and it sounds like HSV 1 genital is very mild compared to HSV 2 genital. Is it because HSV 1 is normally located in the mouth and not the genital?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

58 months ago

We don't have transmission rates for HSV 1 genital infection. But I can tell you that one research study found that people who have had HSV 1 genitally for only 2 years shed virus on about 4 days of the entire year. So I suspect, with her very long-standing infection, she is highly unlikely to infect her partner. Also, if she is having sex with people around her own age, probably more than half of them already have HSV 1 so they would not be at any significant risk of acquiring this genitally. She should feel reassured.

Terri

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58 months ago

Thank you so much Terri. Also, Is it because HSV 1 is normally located in the mouth and not the genital is another reason transmission is unlikely? Even with the 4 days of the year with shedding doesn't mean it'll always be transmitted?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

58 months ago

Yes, HSV 1 has what we call a site preference for the mouth. And even if someone is shedding virus, it doesn't mean transmission will occur, correct.

Terri

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58 months ago

Hi Terri,

One last question. If someone has HPV will that have any affect on HSV 1 genital?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

58 months ago

No, it will have no impact HSV 1 genital infection.

Terri

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