[Question #7934] Herpes exposure likelihood

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50 months ago
I am a single woman in her 30s.  I have had two previous  encounters that resulted in oral sex only. I’ve never worried about testing for hsv 1 genitally because I’ve never experienced symptoms. I am entering a new relationship and my anxiety is making me worry about the possibility I somehow contracted hsv-1 genitally from those two on time encounters and I’m just assymptomatic. My question is, is this a real concern since it was just a one time occurrence with two different people? I’ve been tested for everything else and I’m fine. Im just a very careful person and I want to feel more at ease about this is there no huge reason to worry if in fact the likelihood of transmission from one exposure  is low. Also they had no visible sores. I have no symptoms at all and I keep reading there is no need for testing If there are no symptoms. But also the internet is a scary place and it’s saying if you’ve had oral sex even once you have hsv-1 for sure. So scary and probably an exaggeration I hope. Also, If I had it I would have shown symptoms by now most likely correct?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
50 months ago
So I'm a little confused - were you the giver of oral sex or the receiver?

Terri
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50 months ago
Receiver 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
50 months ago
I think the chances that you acquired HSV 1 genital infection, with no symptoms and from two encounters is incredibly small indeed!  I think you can take this off your worry list.

Terri
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