Question about getting GHSV1

[pizzapizza]

Background: I am a 40-year-old male who had an oral herpes (OHSV1) outbreak at the age of 14, with no subsequent recurrences in the past 26 years. My recent serological tests confirm the presence of HSV1 antibodies, indicating a latent infection. Unexpectedly, my girlfriend has been diagnosed with genital herpes (GHSV1), which she acquired from me, despite my lack of symptomatic episodes or any knowledge of the potential for transmission.

Concerns: Given my medical history, I am trying to understand the probability of me contracting genital HSV1 (GHSV1), considering my established antibody presence. Furthermore, I am interested in the possibility of experiencing oral HSV1 outbreaks again after such a prolonged period of dormancy.

Specific Questions:

1) What is the likelihood (percentage-wise, if possible, or anecdotal insight as words such as “unlikely” are subjective) of me contracting GHSV1 through unprotected sexual intercourse with my current partner?

2) Given that I have existing antibodies for HSV1, is it still possible for me to experience a new outbreak of oral herpes if I perform oral sex on my partner who has GHSV1?

3) In the initial 8 weeks following the confirmation of my girlfriend’s GHSV1 diagnosis, would there be any worthwhile benefit to her taking an antiviral medication like Valtrex to reduce the risk of transmission to me, considering I already have HSV1 antibodies and we might not use condoms? (In percent chance, please)

Context: We are contemplating the future of our intimate relationship without the consistent use of condoms and are seeking guidance on the associated risks for both regular sex and oral.

[Terri Warren]

1) What is the likelihood (percentage-wise, if possible, or anecdotal insight as words such as “unlikely” are subjective) of me contracting GHSV1 through unprotected sexual intercourse with my current partner?
Extremely unlikely since you already have the virus, only in a different location.

2) Given that I have existing antibodies for HSV1, is it still possible for me to experience a new outbreak of oral herpes if I perform oral sex on my partner who has GHSV1?
That wouldn’t trigger an oral outbreak in you but it is possible that your virus is more active right now, given transmission to your partner so I wouldn’t be shocked if you showed up with an outbreak at some point in the future.

3) In the initial 8 weeks following the confirmation of my girlfriend’s GHSV1 diagnosis, would there be any worthwhile benefit to her taking an antiviral medication like Valtrex to reduce the risk of transmission to me, considering I already have HSV1 antibodies and we might not use condoms? (In percent chance, please)
I don’t see that benefit, but since we can’t guarantee that you won’t get HSV 1 in a new location, she could take antiviral meds – I don’t see a benefit for you taking it

Context: We are contemplating the future of our intimate relationship without the consistent use of condoms and are seeking guidance on the associated risks for both regular sex and oral.

Terri

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