GHSV-1 and Crohn's Disease

[Ooops44]

I was diagnosed just about 2 years ago with GHSV-1, and am lucky that I’ve had 1 breakout after the initial one which was treated with famciclovir and gone in a day or two (I was moving and the stress brought that on). Because I don’t experience regular breakouts or any symptoms and because I haven’t been sexually active, I’m not on regular anit-viral medication (which I know is an option to further protect my partner if I become sexually active).

Having said all that, I’ve recently met a guy that I really like. I feel that it is moving in the direction of intimacy and I haven’t yet shared this with him. It’s been long distance, though we know each other from work but I’ve been waiting to see him in person. We FaceTime and talk every day for hours, and he’s coming to visit me Memorial Weekend. Not that I feel pressure to do anything, but I feel it’ll be time to have the talk with him. Obviously, I’ve educated myself and will feel confident in what I know and can share with him about myself and HSV and that safe sex is the way to go. However, this guy shared with me that last year he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. I’m wondering are there any additional risks for him? Are there any? What else should I know. I really want to have all my ducks in a row with this conversation!

Aly

• This topic was modified 7 years, 9 months ago by Ooops44.

[Terri Warren]

That’s an excellent question and the answer is that we don’t know if a person who has an immune system problem is more vulnerable to acquiring herpes or not.
The important thing here is for him to be tested to see if he has HSV 1 or even HSV 2 and doesn’t know it. Or you can ask if he has ever had a cold sore on his lip and if the answer is yes, then he has HSV 1. That would be the best of all worlds in terms of the two of you.
If he doesn’t know his status, it would be good for him to be tested to let you know how to proceed. The best test for hSV 1 is the herpes western blot, but he could first just do the normal screening test and if it is positive, then no more needs to be done. If he is negative, then you starting on suppression is a good plan.

Terri

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