17 years since HSV1 Dx

[Cincinatti2345]

Hello- I was diagnosed with HSV1 via blood test when I was 18 years old. I had symptoms after receiving oral sex and was tested. I am now 35 … this has been 17 years since I have had any symptoms whatsoever. I am recently divorced and wondering about whether disclosure of this is necessary to a new partner. What is the likelihood of transmission? Genitally? Or if I receive oral sex? Do I need to have this conversation?

[Cincinatti2345]

Hello- I believe my question got overlooked. Since reading other posts I decided to simply disclose that I have been exposed to the cold sore virus to my partner. I have also seen in other posts that shedding occurs about 4 days out of a year for GHSV1. My partner and I have only had intercourse with a condom but are discussing moving to the ‘next level’ of our sexual relationship- not using condoms. I do not receive oral sex from him out of personal preference, but am assuming the risk of him contracting GHSV1 via intercourse is quite low? Is there an increased risk factor at all for a man that is uncircumcised? I am assuming he has likely already been exposed to HSV1 as he is in his 40s but would like to have all information. Thank you 🙂

[Terri Warren]

The risk of him getting HSV 1 orally by giving you oral sex (if you wanted to do that) would be incredibly low as well as getting it from you via intercourse. I am assuming that your partner has been tested and is negative for HSV 1? About half the population has this but 70% don’t know they have it.
I think it isn’t quite accurate to say that you’ve been exposed to HSV 1. It would be more accurate to say that you have the cold sore virus, rather than being exposed. yes, you were exposed but you also contracted HSV 1.

I think an infection that happened that long ago is very unlikely to be transmitted to someone else. But if your partner has not yet been tested, I would strongly suggest that he be tested as you may have nothing at all to worry about here.

Terri

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