Likelyhood that it's HSV 1

[HappyMandy]

My husband and I (married 11 years) both have had oral HSV 1 since we were kids. 5 years ago while pregnant with my 4th child my husband gave me oral sex only to mention he felt the tingling of a cold sore after the fact. Approximately 10 days later I had a tiny pimple that faded within days. It came back a couple of months later so I had it tested via swab at the doc and it came back positive for herpes but which type was not specified.

I have had outbreaks about 2-3 times per year since and all are extremely mild and completely gone in less than a week. I seem to be getting outbreaks less frequently and when I do it's usually stress induced.

We have had unprotected sex often since this happened. Once by accident I was at the beginning stages of an outbreak and he never got it genitally.

With the exception that I have had recurring outbreaks I feel that the evidence points to HSV 1 and not 2. If I had HSV 2 all along it would have to have been supressed for 6 years including during my other 3 pregnancies. Is that remotely likely?

I'm in a new relationship now. He has oral HSV 1 which is supposed to offer him protection from getting it genitally from me. I got it that way though but perhaps it's because my immunity was supressed due to being pregnant?

Would my new partner be more likely to catch it from me giving him oral sex (since I have it orally and genitally) than from having sex with me? I want to explain it him correctly. He's not afraid to give me oral even though he has HSV 1 in his system or receive it from me so having sex shouldn't be of more concern but rather less of a concern than oral sex. I think. Is this correct?

[gracefromHHP]

you had significant protection against contracting hsv1 genitally. Your recurrence pattern also suggests hsv2. either of you could've had it prior to meeting and never knew it. also your partner at that time could've had other partners during your relationship also. at this point, you might never, ever figure it out. odds are you were never tested for it with igg blood tests during any of your pregnancies.

grace

[HappyMandy]

I know it's unlikely but it seems even more unlikely to be type 2. I would have to have caught it six years earlier and never had an outbreak, even after three pregnancies, two bad cases of the flu and lots of emotional stress etc. Plus the timing of getting oral sex from my husband who had the active virus on his mouth and coming down with it ten days later made it seem more likely to get it that way.

Is it completely impossible to get it from him? I figured the stress of being pregnant made me susceptable to getting it even though I have had it orally before.

I do plan on getting tested as well. I was going to order the test online.

[gracefromHHP]

you  had oral hsv1 for a long time. this is very unlikely to be hsv1 genitally.  At this point, you need a type specific herpes igg blood test to see what your hsv2 status is. same with your new partner, he too should get tested to see what his hsv2 status is too.

grace