I was diagnosed with HSV-1 Genital, 4 years ago after receiving oral sex.  My initial outbreak was swabbed and sent off to confirm.   I have not had an outbreak since then.   I even sometimes wonder if I still even have HSV-1, though I know that it lies dormant in me.   Given all of this time,  how often would you assume that I shed and have I read correctly, that genital to genital is extremely unlikely?   

Well, that's just how HSV 1 genital infection behaves. For the vast majority of people, it recurs infrequently and sheds infrequently.  Data from the University of Washington indicates that after 2 years of having genital HSV 1, the viral shedding rate is about 4 days out of the year.  So yes, genital to genital transmission of HSV 1 is very unlikely.  is it zero?  No, but extremely unlikely sums it up nicely.

Terri

Are you concerned about transmission to a sex partner or reduce recurrences?  I don't think you need it to reduce recurrences as you haven't had any but if you marry someone who doesn't have HSV 1, documented by a reliable antibody test, and they are concerned about transmission (which is very unlikely), then you could take daily antiviral medication, yes.

Terri