How common is hsv 1 genitally

[bkbkgirl]

How common or how easy is it to get hsv 1 genitally? I always get tested and im negative for hsv 2 but positive for hsv 1. Ive never had a cold sore so i have this fear of where the hsv 1 is. Orally or genitally.  I regularly check myself with a mirror to see if i notice anything. I dont even know what to expect if i did experience an outbreak. Would i know?

[auntiejessi]

Statistically, you have an oral infection, but if you've ever received oral sex, you could have it genitally. Without symptoms, I'd assume oral. It's possible you could get hsv1 genitally without getting symptoms, but since it's more likely to be oral, that's what I'd go with.

Ultimately, does it make a difference, other than stigma?

[bkbkgirl]

Yea its really rhe stigma,  i guess. So, if someone has hsv 1 genitally, its more likely to cause symptoms? I read the hsv 1 prefers the oral region amd hsv 2 prefers the genital. So that being said, would u likely experience symptoms if the hsv is not in the " preferred " location?

[auntiejessi]

If you have hsv1 genitally, you'd likely have far fewer outbreaks and shed less than if you had it orally. Some people with ghsv1 only get one outbreak, and then nothing again. Same goes with oral hsv2 (which is pretty rare). Because of less shedding, you are less likely to transmit it.

Try not to buy into the stigma. It really doesn't mean anything, and a good portion of the population has hsv1, so if your partner already does, it's not likely you'll ever transmit to them, either orally or genitally.

[bkbkgirl]

Okay thank you for getting back to me