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Genital HSV-1
I was diagnosed with genital HSV-1 a couple of weeks ago via a swab and blood test. When I got my test results I was initially very relieved because I recognized that this would be a less severe infection, may never come back, and is already present in a majority of the population.
I had a follow up visit with my doctor a week or two later. She attempted to sympathize with me saying she understood that this was a very emotionally painful thing, recommended I see a therapist, and advised that when I was serious about someone I would get to the point where I could disclose.
So... here are my questions/concerns:
1. If a majority of the population already has this virus and transmission through sex is unlikely/rare (much less common that oral herpes), why is it necessary that I disclose this information and suffer the emotional trauma and stigmatization that is associated with herpes?
2. Even if I were to disclose, isn't it safe to say that this should not be that big of a deal to my partner given the statistics? They may have already been exposed to the virus. It is LITERALLY the same virus as a cold sore. And.... it is rarely transmitted through sex.
3. Has anyone had any experience disclosing genital hsv-1? If so, please share your story!
Thank you so much in advance.
I had a follow up visit with my doctor a week or two later. She attempted to sympathize with me saying she understood that this was a very emotionally painful thing, recommended I see a therapist, and advised that when I was serious about someone I would get to the point where I could disclose.
So... here are my questions/concerns:
1. If a majority of the population already has this virus and transmission through sex is unlikely/rare (much less common that oral herpes), why is it necessary that I disclose this information and suffer the emotional trauma and stigmatization that is associated with herpes?
2. Even if I were to disclose, isn't it safe to say that this should not be that big of a deal to my partner given the statistics? They may have already been exposed to the virus. It is LITERALLY the same virus as a cold sore. And.... it is rarely transmitted through sex.
3. Has anyone had any experience disclosing genital hsv-1? If so, please share your story!
Thank you so much in advance.
I usually start the talk out about std testing - when they last had it, what were they tested for and how long was it after they had last had sex. then I ask if they know if they were ever tested for herpes. then I talk about the oral and genital herpes I know I have and ask what they know about it and go from there. For you, most people know what cold sores are so saying you have the same virus that causes that infection but have it genitally, is a good way to approach it all I think. It's like they say - keep it simple!
Thanks for your response. I agree that I would want to disclose. I guess going forward I'm wondering how I want to go about that disclosure. I think I would initiate the conversation asking if they have gotten tested lately and admitting that I have HSV-1 (which causes cold sores but can also be transmitted through sex). Is this considered dishonest? I am admitting to the risk and my knowledge. Is it necessary to discuss this in more detail?
are you likely to transmit your genital hsv1 infection to a partner? no you are not. can it happen? yes it can.
Indeed medically, a genital hsv1 infection isn't a big deal. That said, anywhere from 1/4-2/3's of folks who contract hsv1 genitally, also have it orally but most don't get obvious cold sores to know it. Hsv1 oral infections shed much more than a hsv1 genital infection does so herpes is something to talk about prior to oral sex too. something to consider when deciding what precautions to take with a partner for both oral and genital sex.
Talking about your genital herpes that you know you have with a potential partner serves several purposes. depending on your age group, only 1 out of every 3 folks has hsv1. that means 2/3's of the people you date, won't have hsv1. That's a pretty significant portion of folks who are unprotected. Hsv1 genitally is the cause of about 70% of all newly acquired genital herpes infections in folks under the age of 30 so obviously not enough folks already have the virus orally plus not enough folks are bringing up the topic. you really can't assume that a partner has hsv1 so therefore why bring up the topic. also about 10% of folks who contract hsv1 genitally do not engage in oral sex practices so it's not completely risk free transmission wise.
talking about the hsv1 infection you know you have, brings the whole std discussion out in the open and is a good way to start a conversation about testing , condom use and what past partners might have had ( don't forget to talk about hpv vaccines too! ). You are letting them know that you are honest and care about them enough to talk about what you know you have. that is a refreshing thing to find out about a person nowadays!! Odds are that a potential partner knows little about oral or genital herpes and most folks don't get tested for herpes so be prepared with some basic info on both. It's ok to ask to see test results too. Rather naive to trust a relative strangers statement of yes they get tested for std's and have nothing especially since most folks who do actually test for std's, only get tested for 2 or 3 of them. . Since you can still contract hsv2, it's an important topic in general to bring up to make sure that they get properly tested. Just asking do you get cold sores and if they say yes thinking it's ok to just avoid the rest of the conversation isn't protecting you!
also as was already mentioned, know you have herpes and not inform a partner and they contract it, they can sue you in civil court. That's a headache that none of us want to deal with. Also trust me when I say that not telling and then having to own up to knowing that you knew you had herpes after a partner contracts it, is one of the hardest conversations you will ever have in your life :(
Indeed medically, a genital hsv1 infection isn't a big deal. That said, anywhere from 1/4-2/3's of folks who contract hsv1 genitally, also have it orally but most don't get obvious cold sores to know it. Hsv1 oral infections shed much more than a hsv1 genital infection does so herpes is something to talk about prior to oral sex too. something to consider when deciding what precautions to take with a partner for both oral and genital sex.
Talking about your genital herpes that you know you have with a potential partner serves several purposes. depending on your age group, only 1 out of every 3 folks has hsv1. that means 2/3's of the people you date, won't have hsv1. That's a pretty significant portion of folks who are unprotected. Hsv1 genitally is the cause of about 70% of all newly acquired genital herpes infections in folks under the age of 30 so obviously not enough folks already have the virus orally plus not enough folks are bringing up the topic. you really can't assume that a partner has hsv1 so therefore why bring up the topic. also about 10% of folks who contract hsv1 genitally do not engage in oral sex practices so it's not completely risk free transmission wise.
talking about the hsv1 infection you know you have, brings the whole std discussion out in the open and is a good way to start a conversation about testing , condom use and what past partners might have had ( don't forget to talk about hpv vaccines too! ). You are letting them know that you are honest and care about them enough to talk about what you know you have. that is a refreshing thing to find out about a person nowadays!! Odds are that a potential partner knows little about oral or genital herpes and most folks don't get tested for herpes so be prepared with some basic info on both. It's ok to ask to see test results too. Rather naive to trust a relative strangers statement of yes they get tested for std's and have nothing especially since most folks who do actually test for std's, only get tested for 2 or 3 of them. . Since you can still contract hsv2, it's an important topic in general to bring up to make sure that they get properly tested. Just asking do you get cold sores and if they say yes thinking it's ok to just avoid the rest of the conversation isn't protecting you!
also as was already mentioned, know you have herpes and not inform a partner and they contract it, they can sue you in civil court. That's a headache that none of us want to deal with. Also trust me when I say that not telling and then having to own up to knowing that you knew you had herpes after a partner contracts it, is one of the hardest conversations you will ever have in your life :(
http://thehairpin.com/2013/11/how-i-found-out-i-didnt-have-the-herpes-id-been-living-with-for-four-years
I came across this article that quotes two experts in the field. I definitely have HSV-1 (confirmed through swab and blood test).
What are people's thoughts on this article?
I came across this article that quotes two experts in the field. I definitely have HSV-1 (confirmed through swab and blood test).
What are people's thoughts on this article?
If my partner didn't have HSV1 and I did genitally, I would feel obligated to disclose because is there.
If they had cold-sores, as this would be a great way to find out before disclosing your status, then I would NOT disclose. That's just me.
Knowing your partners status is most important if you know yours. Why disclose if your partner has the same virus but in a different location? It's too rare to transmit in both locations to even cause alarm by bringing it up. I would not disclose in this spot. Again, if they are clear of both types, I would disclose. The risk is much higher.
If they had cold-sores, as this would be a great way to find out before disclosing your status, then I would NOT disclose. That's just me.
Knowing your partners status is most important if you know yours. Why disclose if your partner has the same virus but in a different location? It's too rare to transmit in both locations to even cause alarm by bringing it up. I would not disclose in this spot. Again, if they are clear of both types, I would disclose. The risk is much higher.
The majority of those that acquired both got them both at the same time before antibodies were developed. Acquiring both if one has strong antibodies really lowers any risk of getting both close to zero but not zero. If this were not so, those with hsv would have it breaking out from head to toe and they do not. Since upward of 65% would test positive for hsv1 oral, how many of those also got hsv1 in the genital area? We dont hear of many.
Shedding does occur 3-5% of the time and making ones positive status should be disclosed esp with genital hsv.
Not many studies have been done on hsv1 oral to genital.
Shedding does occur 3-5% of the time and making ones positive status should be disclosed esp with genital hsv.
Not many studies have been done on hsv1 oral to genital.
ok -
There are always exceptions. Like straight, white guys who don't use street-drugs contracting HIV - it can happen.
I'd still be really interested to know who the woman in that example faired. I think it's almost as likely that her culture was somehow mistyped - and I'm sure that's a really really rare thing. In any case, this one example doesn't disprove what all of the experts have (fairly recently) concluded, which is that you cannot get it in both places.
But we don't know how this happened to her and we don't know that the "cold sores" she gets are actually herpes.
I will back off from the absolute terms I used before, but my point is still valid. It's a rare, almost impossible thing, for someone to contract both.
There are always exceptions. Like straight, white guys who don't use street-drugs contracting HIV - it can happen.
I'd still be really interested to know who the woman in that example faired. I think it's almost as likely that her culture was somehow mistyped - and I'm sure that's a really really rare thing. In any case, this one example doesn't disprove what all of the experts have (fairly recently) concluded, which is that you cannot get it in both places.
But we don't know how this happened to her and we don't know that the "cold sores" she gets are actually herpes.
I will back off from the absolute terms I used before, but my point is still valid. It's a rare, almost impossible thing, for someone to contract both.
Additionally, I know of cases where people caught HVS1 genital and had HVS1 oral. So I respectfully disagree with you.
READ NUMBER 5
STDs Expert Forum
Diagnosed with genetal HSV1
Post a Question
By Sarah651 | Oct 29, 2007
Answered by Edward W Hook, MDBlank
I have been reading these posts with much anxiety, as I had been awaiting test results of my own.
A few hours ago, my doctor called and told me that I have tested positive for HSV1 in both the culture, and the blood test. :-( It is completely hard to take, and I am have a very hard time dealing with it. He said that I tested negative for HSV2, and only have HSV1. But he said there was no difference in the two.
I am a 38 year old woman, and have been in a monog relationship for the past 10 mos. (In fact, on October 20th, my boyfriend proposed to me) From childhood, I have gotten cold sores on my lip occaisionally. For the past yr, I have only had 1.
1. How does the virus get from the mouth to now being in my genitals? I have read in your posts that usually having the oral version provides extra immunity to the genital version.
3. Is it possible my fiance has it, with no symptoms?
4. If I caught it before my current relationship, why would I not have had symptoms before now?
5. In another post you wrote: "Most likely your boyfriend is immune, since more than half the population has HSV-1. He can have a blood test to know. If he is already positive, you don't need to worry about it. And as I said, asymptomatic shedding of HSV-1 is uncommon. So if there is any risk at all (between your outreaks), it is very low. - If this is the case, how could I have caught it genitally, when I already have it orally?
6. Also, if we have sex without a condom with no symptoms present, how much of a chance of me transmitting it to him (if he does not already have it)?
7. If my fiance tests positive, will we be able to tell if I gave it to him, or if he had it previously?
I do not want to feel less worthy. My fiance is very supportive, and says he still wants to spend the rest of his life with me.. but I feel so tainted now..
I am very much in need of help to get my head around this.. :-(
Thanks Doctor
Edward W Hook, MDBlank
Oct 29, 2007
To: Sarah651
Your question did not tell me why you had the test. Did you have a lesion that was tested? Where? Had you ever had it before? Answers to these questions would help to sort this out. Withthat said, let me provide some information.
1. Increasingly HSV-1 is causing genital herpes. Transmission most often is the result of oral sex. While having cold sores due to HSV-1 appears to reduce the risk of acquiring infection, it does not prevent it.
3. Yes, he could have it without symptoms. He should be tested with one of the good herpes blood tests such as the Focus HerpesSelect test.
4. Only 10-15% of Americans who have genital herpes are aware that they have the infection. You could have had this infection for some time. Now that you are aware that you may have infection you may notice mild symptoms at some point in the future which may be a manifestation of your infection.
5. Yes you could have caught it genitally when you already have oral infection.
6. If he is not infected, you could infect him even though you are asymptomatic. As mentioned above, the next step for him is to get a blood test.
7. If you both have the infection you will not be able to tell who gave what to whom or for how long either of you have had the infection.
It sounds as though you have a strong relationship. Working through this together could make it still stronger. I hope that is the case.
EWH
STDs Expert Forum
Diagnosed with genetal HSV1
Post a Question
By Sarah651 | Oct 29, 2007
Answered by Edward W Hook, MDBlank
I have been reading these posts with much anxiety, as I had been awaiting test results of my own.
A few hours ago, my doctor called and told me that I have tested positive for HSV1 in both the culture, and the blood test. :-( It is completely hard to take, and I am have a very hard time dealing with it. He said that I tested negative for HSV2, and only have HSV1. But he said there was no difference in the two.
I am a 38 year old woman, and have been in a monog relationship for the past 10 mos. (In fact, on October 20th, my boyfriend proposed to me) From childhood, I have gotten cold sores on my lip occaisionally. For the past yr, I have only had 1.
1. How does the virus get from the mouth to now being in my genitals? I have read in your posts that usually having the oral version provides extra immunity to the genital version.
3. Is it possible my fiance has it, with no symptoms?
4. If I caught it before my current relationship, why would I not have had symptoms before now?
5. In another post you wrote: "Most likely your boyfriend is immune, since more than half the population has HSV-1. He can have a blood test to know. If he is already positive, you don't need to worry about it. And as I said, asymptomatic shedding of HSV-1 is uncommon. So if there is any risk at all (between your outreaks), it is very low. - If this is the case, how could I have caught it genitally, when I already have it orally?
6. Also, if we have sex without a condom with no symptoms present, how much of a chance of me transmitting it to him (if he does not already have it)?
7. If my fiance tests positive, will we be able to tell if I gave it to him, or if he had it previously?
I do not want to feel less worthy. My fiance is very supportive, and says he still wants to spend the rest of his life with me.. but I feel so tainted now..
I am very much in need of help to get my head around this.. :-(
Thanks Doctor
Edward W Hook, MDBlank
Oct 29, 2007
To: Sarah651
Your question did not tell me why you had the test. Did you have a lesion that was tested? Where? Had you ever had it before? Answers to these questions would help to sort this out. Withthat said, let me provide some information.
1. Increasingly HSV-1 is causing genital herpes. Transmission most often is the result of oral sex. While having cold sores due to HSV-1 appears to reduce the risk of acquiring infection, it does not prevent it.
3. Yes, he could have it without symptoms. He should be tested with one of the good herpes blood tests such as the Focus HerpesSelect test.
4. Only 10-15% of Americans who have genital herpes are aware that they have the infection. You could have had this infection for some time. Now that you are aware that you may have infection you may notice mild symptoms at some point in the future which may be a manifestation of your infection.
5. Yes you could have caught it genitally when you already have oral infection.
6. If he is not infected, you could infect him even though you are asymptomatic. As mentioned above, the next step for him is to get a blood test.
7. If you both have the infection you will not be able to tell who gave what to whom or for how long either of you have had the infection.
It sounds as though you have a strong relationship. Working through this together could make it still stronger. I hope that is the case.
EWH
I moslty disagree and here's why:
If you KNOW you have type 1 - and you're certain of this, right? - then you do not need to disclose as HSV1 very rarely (if ever) is passed genital to genital - unless you're a ******* idiot and you have sex while you have an outbreak or the prodromal symptoms.
So there's that. And also - the majority of folks have genital HSV1 immunization because of existing HSV1 oral infection from the past. You can't get both - don't believe what anyone else here might say about that. I'm right. Feel free to look for examples of people who have both - and those who claim to actually have genital HSV2 and just don't know it.
Disclosing is the moral thing to do. But, you might find creative ways aroudn it, like asking a guy "Have you ever had cold sores?" If so, you don't need to ever have to disclose with the guy.
I have a good friend who contracted it in high school (through receptive oral, like you) and she was with the same guy for 7 years and it was never transmitted to him. They never used protection, she just didn't have sex when she suspected an outbreak was coming. She only had outbreaks once every other year or so and they weren't bad at all after the first.
Lastly - none of what I just said applies if you have HSV2. If your herpes wasn't properly typed and you are having sex without disclosing and letting him know the potential risks, then God help you if you infect him. You're on your own then.
If you KNOW you have type 1 - and you're certain of this, right? - then you do not need to disclose as HSV1 very rarely (if ever) is passed genital to genital - unless you're a ******* idiot and you have sex while you have an outbreak or the prodromal symptoms.
So there's that. And also - the majority of folks have genital HSV1 immunization because of existing HSV1 oral infection from the past. You can't get both - don't believe what anyone else here might say about that. I'm right. Feel free to look for examples of people who have both - and those who claim to actually have genital HSV2 and just don't know it.
Disclosing is the moral thing to do. But, you might find creative ways aroudn it, like asking a guy "Have you ever had cold sores?" If so, you don't need to ever have to disclose with the guy.
I have a good friend who contracted it in high school (through receptive oral, like you) and she was with the same guy for 7 years and it was never transmitted to him. They never used protection, she just didn't have sex when she suspected an outbreak was coming. She only had outbreaks once every other year or so and they weren't bad at all after the first.
Lastly - none of what I just said applies if you have HSV2. If your herpes wasn't properly typed and you are having sex without disclosing and letting him know the potential risks, then God help you if you infect him. You're on your own then.
1. Majority of the population does have hsv1, but it is in their mouths (cold sore) not on their genitals.
2. You are putting your partner at risk regardless. A risk is a risk. This is not right and very disrespectful. This is how people get stds. Additionally, if she can prove that you gave her an std and knew about it, there might be legal consequences on you. I am not a lawyer, but something to think about.
3. I have not.
2. You are putting your partner at risk regardless. A risk is a risk. This is not right and very disrespectful. This is how people get stds. Additionally, if she can prove that you gave her an std and knew about it, there might be legal consequences on you. I am not a lawyer, but something to think about.
3. I have not.
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
