likelihood of genital hsv-1 or hsv-2...

[uhoh310]

I'm a gay male in my 20's.  I've been in a monogamous relationship for almost 3 months.  We have not had anal sex at this point.  Last week we hooked up performing frottage, oral, and anilingus on each other.  About 4 days later I experienced an initial genital ob with classic symptoms.  I went to the doctor immediately, who informed me it was most likely genital herpes and took a sample for the culture test.  I'm still waiting for my results.

I'm wondering the likelihood that I contracted this from him and whether it's genital hsv-1 or hsv-2.   My partner informed me the first month of dating that he has oral hsv-1 and gets 2-3 cold sores a year.  He didn't have a coldsore at that time.  

Any insight is very appreciated.

[gracefromHHP]

odds are it's hsv1 but both of you getting tested will confirm that. If you've had other partners before, you could have hsv2 from a previous relationship and just now be having obvious signs. Studies have shown that 1/2 of all presumed newly acquired infections are actually just the first obvious recurrence.

just be upfront and honest about it - first time you've shown symptoms, let him know when you were last tested for herpes ( if ever ) and let him know that you are waiting for lab results to come back and  meanwhile he'll need tested to know his own status.  The rates of hsv1 and hsv2 genital infections in gay males are high in general so assume nothing and wait for test results. I can help with those too if you need them when you get them.

grace

[syrialee428]

You and your partner will definitely need to go get tested. The first blood test that I did came back negative and I was unable to do a culture because my sores were already drying. I have not had another outbreak however and I got tested about 8weeks after my initial ob and my results stated HSV1 positive.  As the Dr. HHH told me in his response to my case you have a 50-50 chance of getting either type! Best wishes

[uhoh310]

Thanks for the response.  I understand he will need to be tested.  But my question(s) are:

1. How likely is it that I got this from him.?  I've never had any sort of symptoms before (that I noticed).  This appears to be an initial outbreak.
2.  Given the activities (frottage, oral, analingus) is a genital hsv-1 infection more likely than a hsv-2 given his positive hsv-1 status.

I'm just trying to prepare myself for the talk with him.  While I'm not really thrilled about having this issue, given the circumstances, a genital hsv-1 infection would be a little easier to swallow for both parties.

Thanks

[gracefromHHP]

At this point your partner will also need a type specific herpes igg blood test to see what his status is and go from there.

if your lesion culture is negative, follow up with igg blood testing for yourself too.

you don't have to have an obvious cold sore present to transmit hsv1 either.

grace