[Question #8836] Genital HSV 1 - 5 years since outbreak
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39 months ago
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Hello,
I’m a male in my early 30s.
Over 5 years ago I had an initial outbreak of HSV-1 genitally. At this time I had a few sores on the middle of shaft of my penis. These were swabbed and came back as HSV-1. It’s been over 5 years and I have not had another outbreak.
My question is, what is the likely hood of transmitting this to a sexual partner.
I was told by a doctor that it’s nearly impossible that transmission would happen, and to not even worry about it.
I’m recently starting to date, and wondering if disclosure is necessary, if the risk isn’t of transmission isn’t there.
I would feel more comfortable knowing the stats to help make this decision.
If I enter a long term relationship, I would feel obligated to disclose. But with something more casual/ short term, Im not sure if disclosure is necessary (granted condoms are used) .
Just would like to know the stats behind the possibility of passing this on, based on my specific situation of only having one outbreak , and being outbreak free for 5 years.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
39 months ago
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I think the odds of transmission are just incredibly low as well. A study recently found that after you've been infected for two years, you shed virus on about 4 days out of a year. And if you haven't had a recurrence in one year after being infected, there is an 88% chance you won't in the future have another.
If you are having sex with someone who has ever had a cold sore OR who simply tests positive for HSV 1, then they are already infected and the chances of them getting a outbreak at a new location is incredibly remote. And since half the population already has HSV 1, I think you are in very good shape.
Terri
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39 months ago
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Thank you. Is there any data or statistics, on the transmissions rates of someone who hasn’t had an outbreak over 2 years? Since it’s been 5 years for me, would it less than 4 days of shedding per year?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
39 months ago
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No, we only have viral shedding data and we think that is a decent marker for the likelihood of transmission. We don't have any data for shedding beyond two year of genital HSV 1, I'm afraid.
Terri
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39 months ago
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So with all considered, in my case, you believe the likely hood of transmission is extremely low? Is it low enough to where disclosure with a partner is not necessary ?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
39 months ago
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oh that is such a tough question. I don't have a perfect answer for you. I would say that if you are using condoms, the answer is yes, the risk is low enough that you don't need to disclose. But if you aren't using condoms, and having sex with someone who is not infected with HSV 1, then that's really a different story. And a one night stand with no one discussing STI's, that's yet another story that is different than an ongoing relationship. I'm sorry, I don't have a one size fits all answer here.
Terri
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