ghsv1 M->F Transmission Risk

[leiga614]

I am trying to determine what the risk of transmission is for ghsv1. I was recently diagnosed from a swab test after having a very minor initial outbreak. My guess is I received it from unprotected oral sex. Having a more concrete understanding helps with disclosure.

I understand shedding rates are 3-5% but it is hard to find any information beyond that. How do you calculate transmission from shedding rates? 3-5% sounds high...

I found the post below that seems to suggest there is hardly any risk at all:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Genital-HSV-1-Transmission/show/602074

1. What is the risk of genital -> genital? (condom, no condom), M->F
2. What is the risk of genital -> oral? (unprotected)
3. What are the rates if I am taking suppressants?

[feelingundone]

I've gone over the odds by intercourse. Receiving oral sex is extremely low risk for your partner

[leiga614]

Do you think because HSV1 prefers oral, the risk is higher to transmit by receiving oral or via intercourse?

[feelingundone]

Correct. Hsv1 genital is the best hsv in the best place. I know it was a shock but in time you will see this is no big deal

[feelingundone]

Genital to genital hsv1 transmision is extremely rare. Most experts i know haven't seen a case in their very busy clinics. As you know it sheds very little with a low viral load. If i was dating someone with ghsv1 i wouldn't be concerned in the least.

[feelingundone]

So the odds of ever spreading it to either location is extremely low. So low there are no stats. Add in antivirals and I'm sure it's very close to zero

[leiga614]

Thanks for the response.

It's hard for me to grasp as the stats say 3-5% shedding but what you're saying, and the thread before, I interpret as <1%.

When you say they haven't seen a case is that for genital - genital or both genital and oral?