Another Question-GHSV-1 and oral sex

[kimmie]

(I am a 50 year old female with GHSV-1, currently on suppressive meds). My boyfriend will be getting a blood test to see if he already has HSV-1 antibodies, but meanwhile, he had a question for me that I couldn’t answer:

Is there any data on likelihood of me passing HSV-1 to him if he performs oral sex on me?

If he is already HSV-1 positive it is my understanding there there is no risk at all.

If he is HSV negative, it is my understanding that passing from genitals to mouth is very rare, but I can’t find anything concrete in writing.

Please advise and thank you!

[Terri Warren]

Unfortunately we do not have data on how much risk there is about HSV 1 transmission from him giving you oral sex. I would say it isn’t high but it isn’t zero – not much help, I know.
If he is already infected with HSV 1, there is no risk correct. but remember that the normal screening test for HSV 1 misses about 1 our of every four infections – the herpes western blot is far better.
Sure wish I could help you more with the statistics that you seek.

terri

[kimmie]

Thank you, I understand.

So in the absence of data, is it safe to say it would be roughly the same risk as it would be kissing someone HSV-1 positive? And being on suppressive meds would reduce that risk even further?

Thanks for the clarification.

[Terri Warren]

HSV 1 orally sheds a lot more often, so kissing someone who has HSV 1 orally is riskier, even with no symptoms. Yes, suppression will reduce viral shedding.

Terri

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