Genital HSV-1 Question

[daisydew123]

Hello,

I contracted HSV-1 genitally a few months ago and I most likely got it from boyfriend that I've only been seeing for a short time. I've only been sexual with three people and before my current boyfriend, I hadn't been sexual for about a year. I had all of the symptoms of an initial breakout such as sores, fever symptoms, sensitive skin on leg, and swollen lymph nodes. This breakout was also happened after having unprotected sex and oral sex with my boyfriend. He has only had sex with one girl and it was a one time thing. This was both genital sex and oral. He also has never had any symptoms of herpes orally or genitally. The two other people I've been sexual with, I have never seen have any signs of herpes either. It could have been coincidence that I had his outbreak after being sexual with him, but I'm pretty sure I contracted it from my current boyfriend.

My main question is:

Considering that HSV-1 thrives orally, how did I not contract this orally too? Or did I, I'm just not having symptoms. All of the people I've been sexual with, I have also kissed during these experiences so I feel like I would have gotten it orally too.

I would really appreciate some clarofication regarding who I most likely got it from, as well as why I'm not having oral symptoms.

Thanks!

[daisydew123]

I was diagnosed with genital hsv-1 in June and I seem to be experiencing frequent outbreaks. Every other week or so I develop one small sore. It does't really cause me much main, but it's frustrating to have to deal with so frequently.

I've read all over the internet that hsv-1 typically doesn't recur as often. Is it normal to be having such frequent outbreaks?

I've also read that it is unknown that if daily suppressive therapy works for hsv-1. I'm not sure if this is correct but I would like to know if it would be possible for me / if I should consider it.

Thank you so much!

[gracefromHHP]

No easy way to know if you also have this orally. It's thought that genetics determine if you will have obvious cold sores when infected orally with hsv1. A decent percentage of folks who have hsv1 genitally, also have it orally when swabbing studies are conducted.

So what do you do? Just be honest with partners - you know you have it genitally but are unsure if you also have it orally or not. Then you can decide together based on your partners status what precautions to take for oral sex, if any.

It's really helpful if you just keep adding to your original post too. That way we can see your whole story when we reply - thanks!

grace