How likely is HSV-1 transmission with no oral HSV?

[Marissa1985]

I just got diagnosed with genital HSV-1. I am assuming from a guy who performed oral sex on me a few weeks ago. I'm concerned about transmission and can't seem to find any information on it. I do not have HSV-1 orally and do not have HSV-2.

If I do not have oral HSV-1 does this mean I can't pass it from kissing or performing oral on someone else?

And I've read that it's pretty much impossible to pass HSV-1 genitally to genitally.

So my question is how can I pass it? Just genitally to orally if I'm having an OB? I've never had any cold sores and have had negative tests in the past for both HSV1 and HSV2. But I recently broke out in sores on my genitals and the culture came back positive for HSV1 and negative for HSV2.It seems like I'm one of rare cases but I want to make sure to take precautions so I don't pass it to anyone else. Thank you.

[feelingundone]

Half of all new genital hsv cases are hsv1. It's very common. Most adults have oral hsv1 and the fact you were in a long term relationship with someone who had it makes getting it more likely. No need to be depressed over this. It's harmless and the odds of it ever becoming an issue for any future partner is very slim. You are the same person as before. This absolutely will not stop you from anything in life. Including marriage and children if that's what you desire. If i had a new partner and she told me she had genital hsv1. I wouldn't even bat an eye. I would be more scared of catching a cold from her. Lol

[Marissa1985]

That's definitely a concern of mine. I feel tainted and like I'll never be able to find someone who would want to date me now. But its good to know that there are people out the that understand it and don't consider it a deal breaker to date someone with this. I feel like it just has a worse stigma than what the condition is actually like.

[feelingundone]

That's correct. You can not pass it kissing or doing anything orally. The infection is in the genitals and there alone. Genital hsv1 is very common. At least 50% of newly acquired genital hsv is hsv1.

You are also correct that genital to genital passing of hsv1 is very very rare. It also sheds very little and has few outbreaks. In fact you may never get another. The simple truth is it's a longshot you will ever pass it to anyone. Also remember over half the adult population has hsv1 oraly so they can't get it again anyway. Honsestly hsv1 if the genitals is of so little concern. I know it doesn't seem that way but you really have so little chance of ever passing it.

[Marissa1985]

Thank you. That puts me at ease a little bit. When I first found out I cried and wanted to die. I've always practiced safe sex, and at 32 years old I've only had 4 sexual partners, all long term relationships. And I always get tested after. I wasn't aware getting hsv-1 genitally was even possible. I haven't even had intercourse for a year so I was baffled when this happened. My doctor didn't seem to have many answers about it either other than its a fairly new thing and not much is known.

[feelingundone]

Well over half of adults have hsv1. Clearly not a deal breaker. Lime i said genital hsv1 is no where near as potent as oral hsv1 and of very little concern for any partner who does not have hsv1 at all. In time you will realize how insignificant it really is.

[Marissa1985]

Thank you. That puts me at ease a little bit. When I first found out I cried and wanted to die. I've always practiced safe sex, and at 32 years old I've only had 4 sexual partners, all long term relationships. And I always get tested after. I wasn't aware getting hsv-1 genitally was even possible. I haven't even had intercourse for a year so I was baffled when this happened. My doctor didn't seem to have many answers about it either other than its a fairly new thing and not much is known.