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I was just diagnosed with genital HSV-1
I was just diagnosed with genital HSV-1, and I want to know what this means for me sexually for the rest of my life. I have done a lot of research on the herpes virus since I first started noticing signs and even more since I got my test results back, so I know that the virus will stay in my system for the rest of my life. However, is it true that since HSV-1 doesn't "prefer" the genital region that this will probably be my only outbreak? Also, because of that, is there less of a chance of me passing it on or is that risk still really high? Any specific information about HSV-1 would be greatly appreciated!
(My first outbreak is extremely painful, with lots of blisters and open sores that have yet to heal and it's been about a week)
(My first outbreak is extremely painful, with lots of blisters and open sores that have yet to heal and it's been about a week)
About 50% of women do not experience further outbreaks beyond 6 months.
The average for those who continue experience outbreaks is about 1-2 years in between.
You were most probably infected 2-10 days before the first sores appeared.
The average for those who continue experience outbreaks is about 1-2 years in between.
You were most probably infected 2-10 days before the first sores appeared.
Swab, I plan on getting a blood test in a few months to confirm the diagnosis though. I was probably infected about 3-4 weeks ago and I know that's not long enough for the infection to be in your system for it to register on a blood test. The doctor at the clinic told me that because it's genital HSV-1 I probably won't have another outbreak.. is that not true? How likely am I to break out again?
Which test was positive for HSV1? Swab or blood?
You are not likely to pass this to someone else who has HSV1 and that's 2/3 of potential partners.
I would suggest waiting about three months from the last outbreak. You may have a couple in the next couple of months. From there the use of condoms will mean the lowest possible risk. You are likely to shed on average 15 days a year and it won't be possible to tell which ones. Antivirals would reduce this by at least half although that's a lot of daily effort for little gain.
You are not likely to pass this to someone else who has HSV1 and that's 2/3 of potential partners.
I would suggest waiting about three months from the last outbreak. You may have a couple in the next couple of months. From there the use of condoms will mean the lowest possible risk. You are likely to shed on average 15 days a year and it won't be possible to tell which ones. Antivirals would reduce this by at least half although that's a lot of daily effort for little gain.
Yes I got tested on Wednesday and got my results back yesterday; it came back positive for HSV-1 and negative for HSV-2. My partner and I are not monogamous, he was never aware that he had oral herpes until recently but said he's probably had it for a long time. However I'm more concerned about how likely I am to "shed" without symptoms and pass it on to someone else, is there any way to predict when I'm shedding or should I just avoid sex as much as possible for the next year?
Not necessarily a club you'd be eager to join, but believe me things will be OK.
Have you had a swab come back positive for HSV1? Did you have oral sex with a partner in the past week?
You are right in your thinking that this may not rear its head in future or be a small lesion each time it does with potential a year or much more in between.
The HSV1 genital infection is interesting. Do you even need to worry about it with partners? Women who give their partners regular oral sex and have a HSV1 infection orally are probably as likely to infect a HSV free partner as someone with a genital HSV1 infection! Also, if the partner has HSV1 orally already, then the odds of transmission are negligible.
Were you infected by a monogamous partner? They will hence be of little to no risk of further infection.
Have you had a swab come back positive for HSV1? Did you have oral sex with a partner in the past week?
You are right in your thinking that this may not rear its head in future or be a small lesion each time it does with potential a year or much more in between.
The HSV1 genital infection is interesting. Do you even need to worry about it with partners? Women who give their partners regular oral sex and have a HSV1 infection orally are probably as likely to infect a HSV free partner as someone with a genital HSV1 infection! Also, if the partner has HSV1 orally already, then the odds of transmission are negligible.
Were you infected by a monogamous partner? They will hence be of little to no risk of further infection.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
