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