GHSV1 and relationships

[icanbeanxious]

Hi Terri

My partner has had GHSV1 for 18 months, never had a second outbreak, and is not taking any daily suppressive anti-viral. We have been together for 6 months, I am okay with her having GHSV1 and have been since we started seeing each other, but I am also anxious about transmission, and I was hoping to get some clarification on a few questions from an expert answered.

1. How likely is transmission of HSV1 genitally long term from a female partner to a male partner? And how much of a difference does using a condom every time make?

2. Could the risk be compared to being in a relationship with someone who has OHSV1 and unprotected oral sex is performed often?

3. Any tips on dealing with the anxiety of transmission?

Thanks for your time, I’m sure I will think of some more questions in due time.

[Terri Warren]

1. How likely is transmission of HSV1 genitally long term from a female partner to a male partner? And how much of a difference does using a condom every time make?
Very unlikely! After someone has had genital HSV 1 infection for about two years, they shed virus on average four days out of the year.

2. Could the risk be compared to being in a relationship with someone who has OHSV1 and unprotected oral sex is performed often?
That risk is WAY higher than the person who has genital HSV 1

3. Any tips on dealing with the anxiety of transmission?
Well, you could use condoms and she could take daily antiviral medicine, both will reduce transmission, but we don’t know by how much since shedding is so rare. I assume that you’ve been tested and are negative for HSV 1?

Terri

[icanbeanxious]

Hi Terri
Thank you for a speedy reply, you have eased my mind somewhat

Just to clarify for me

1. in your expert opinion, someone who was in a relationship with another person who has OHSV1 would be at more risk of contracting GHSV1 than being in a relationship with someone who has GHSV1 already?

2. i am unsure of my HSV1 status, it is very hard to get a test here, but my Dad has had cold sores since he was little so i am guessing i could already have OHSV1 but i also don’t ever remember getting cold sores myself and have not yet shown any physical HSV symptoms, i do however now experience the itching and discomfort in my genital region, would you just chalk this up to anxiety and maybe being extra aware because this is on my mind a lot?

3. Is genital to genital transmission something should be spending so much time worrying about, we have been together for 6 months and use protection every time? however she is not on any suppressive medication? and i still show no symptoms?

i’m sorry if these questions are silly, its just something i have been anxious about

thank you for your time

[Terri Warren]

1. in your expert opinion, someone who was in a relationship with another person who has OHSV1 would be at more risk of contracting GHSV1 than being in a relationship with someone who has GHSV1 already?
Definitely more at risk from someone with oral HSV 1 than genital HSV 2

2. i am unsure of my HSV1 status, it is very hard to get a test here, but my Dad has had cold sores since he was little so i am guessing i could already have OHSV1 but i also don’t ever remember getting cold sores myself and have not yet shown any physical HSV symptoms, i do however now experience the itching and discomfort in my genital region, would you just chalk this up to anxiety and maybe being extra aware because this is on my mind a lot?
Yes, that’s what I would chalk this up do for sure.

3. Is genital to genital transmission something should be spending so much time worrying about, we have been together for 6 months and use protection every time? however she is not on any suppressive medication? and i still show no symptoms?
While genital to genital transmission has been documented in the literature, it is very uncommon. How much time you spend worrying about it really is up to you two. If I were you, I would not be worrying about it, but that’s just my personal point of view.

Terri

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