Can you contract HSV other ways besides sexual contact?

[jkg76]

I was just diagnosed with HSV along with bacterial vaginosis. I have read that BV is a know trigger for herpes. I had protected vaginal sex and also performed oral sex and has tested negative for herpes. The next day I noticed burning and stinging with urination and swelling of the labia and a few days after that I developed little blisters that are extremely painful. I was unaware that I had ever been exposed to HSV in the past. So is it possible I’ve had the infection for a long time and just never had any outbreaks? I had BV twice a few years ago but never had any blisters or sores associated in the vaginal area. Are there things to do to prevent future outbreaks aside from being on Valtrex? This is all new to me and very upsetting. It seems weird that I would have an outbreak after having sex with someone who doesn’t have HSV.

[auntiejessi]

How were you diagnosed with herpes? What kind of testing did you have?

Yes, it's entirely possible that you've had it for a long time and didn't know it. That happens more than you'd realize. It's also possible that you got hsv1 genitally from your current partner, if they perform oral sex on you. About half the adult population has oral hsv1, and 90% won't ever get symptoms, but they can transmit it.

The best way to prevent outbreaks is valtrex. Some people swear by lysine, but a lot of studies haven't really proven that to work well. It also doesn't do anything to prevent transmission, if that's a concern for you.

Let's start with how you were diagnosed, and if you know what type you have - you can have hsv1 or hsv2 genitally - and go from there.

You can read the herpes handbook, written by Terri Warren, one of the world's leading experts on herpes, for free here - https://westoverheights.com/herpes/the-updated-herpes-handbook/

BV can trigger an outbreak, or a new herpes infection can cause BV. Make sure you are treating that, as well.