[Question #8773] Clarity on herpes and should I test?
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40 months ago
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1. Between 2018 and 2020 I had an off an on partner who I engaged in unprotected oral and vaginal sex with several dozen times. She did have oral herpes (I don't know the strain, if that's relevant her) and we were only sexually active once while she had a flare up, although she did not touch any part of my body with her mouth. At the time I was unaware of any connection between oral and genital herpes, and the ways in which it can spread. I've never had symptoms and until recently assumed that meant I didn't need to get tested, but am reading now that I may have it and just not know yet? I recently had a panel done at planned parenthood and they asked if I had shown any signs of herpes and I said no, so this test was not included. After some research it seems like I should have it done anyways. Can you clarify?
2. The above has come to mind as I have the potential to engage in a sexual relationship with a friend who has disclosed with me that she has oral herpes, HSV1 (is all oral herpes HSV1?). If I do decide to engage with her, what should I be aware of and which sexual acts pose more or less of a threat from kissing to mutual masturbation to oral (giving and receiving) to vaginal to anal?
Thank you!
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40 months ago
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As a quick follow up, she has told me that while hers is HSV1, a cold sore showed up on her genitals. So I don't know if this makes it genital or oral?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
40 months ago
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I'm slightly confused but will clarify. This new partner has HSV 1 genital infection, is that correct? That is not uncommon and usually is a result of receiving oral sex from someone who has HSV 1 orally, even if they don't have a cold sore.
If you were my patient, I would suggest that you do an IgG test for HSV 1 and 2 to see if you have either, neither, or both. If you also have HSV 1, which about half the population does have, then there is almost no risk in having sex with this person, as you are both infected with the same type.
If you are negative and she has genital HSV 1, then there is also little risk of transmission as HSV 1 genital infection is normally quiet. After someone is infected for at least two years with genital HSV 1, they give off virus on about 4 days out of the year. If she has been infected more recently, that number will be higher. Do you know how long she has been infected? Also, if you are negative, she could take daily antiviral medication to further reduce the risk of transmission to you and if you want maximum protection, condoms reduce transmission by 65% from women to men. Mutual masturbation is not a risk, her giving your oral sex is not a risk and you giving her oral sex is very little risk because HSV 1 is rarely shed from the genital tract.
Terri
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40 months ago
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Hi Terri,
Sorry for the confusion. The current, potential partner (who I have not had sex with yet), did get HSV1 from receiving oral sex from a previous partner (and I believe this was at least several years ago, but I can check with her). All that being said, I believe you've cleared up my questions regarding her.
But for my first question, regarding my past partner who did have oral herpes (or at least she never had sores on her genitals, they appeared on her lips on occasion. I'm unable to contact her about strain or any further info). Having had unprotected oral and vaginal sex with her many times, but not having shown any symptoms myself in the nearly two years since, is this something I should test for? Or was planned parenthood correct in that I don't need to if I never had symptoms?
Thanks for all of your help!
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
39 months ago
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If she got sores on her lips, then almost certainly, that was due to HSV 1. That contact, then, if you got it from her, would be HSV 1 from receiving oral sex from her OR HSV 1 orally from kissing her. An antibody test would not tell you the location of your infection, if you had it, only that you had it. Am I uderstanding your question about her correctly?
Terri
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39 months ago
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Hi Terri,
Not quite. I suppose was I what asking is do you think it is possible that I have HSV1 from her and should test for it, when Planned Parenthood told me that I didn't need to as it has been a few years now and I've had no symptoms.
1. Is it a high likelihood that I have been infected when she never kissed me or performed oral sex on me while she had a sore and
2. Was Planned Parenthood correct in that they did not need to perform that test on me as I have never shown symptoms in all the time that has passed since?
Thank you!
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
39 months ago
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OK, I think I've got it now.
1. Is it a high likelihood that I have been infected when she never kissed me or performed oral sex on me while she had a sore and
No, not a high likelihood, but a possibility. About half of the adults in US have HSV 1 so I wouldn't be shocked if you tested positive.
2. Was Planned Parenthood correct in that they did not need to perform that test on me as I have never shown symptoms in all the time that has passed since?
That's not quite right. About 70% of those infected with HSV 1 report no symptoms but we know that people can shed virus when they have no symptoms. If you want to know if you have HSV 1 from some other point in your life including from this past partner, you could do an IgG test or the better test, the herpes western blot from the University of Washington.
Terri
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39 months ago
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Perfect, thank you so much.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
39 months ago
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You are most welcome, sorry it took me a bit to understand exactly what you were asking.
Terri
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