We both have HSV1.......I was hoping someone could answer a question.

[Trace68]

Hi everyone. I'm brand new here and this will be my first post. Please forgive me if I did not place this under the correct topic. I stumbled across this support group while searching for some answers concerning the HSV1 virus. I spent most of the afternoon reading the forums and watching the videos. It really seems like you have a wonderful community here and I'd like to be a part of it.

 

19 years ago I was diagnosed with HSV1 (genitals). I contracted the virus from my girlfriend whom had coldsores on and off all of her life. The initial breakout did not happen right away (if I recall correctly it took a couple of weeks). I confirmed it was HSV1 by a culture from my family doctor and then later again by blood test. My doctor gave me a prescription for acyclovir and the initial breakout cleared up within a week.

 

My girlfriend had a coldsore breakout a couple of days after the last time we had sex.

So it made sense that I contracted the virus from asymptomatic shedding. As everyone else , I went through all the emotions and thought my life was over. Much to my surprise my girlfriend didn't care. I'm happy to say we have been married for 17 years and have two wonderful children.

 

Over the years I have been on suppressive therapy several times. I seem to have more issues with the virus than she. My biggest fear has been that I would give her HSV1 of the genitals. I admit that I'm not knowledgeable about my own condition. So lately I've been trying to educate myself. As I'm sure you all know there is a lot of misinformation on the internet about our condition. So I'm not sure what to believe.

 

If someone could help me answer this question I'd greatly appreciate the help.

Since my wife and I have the same virus HSV1 but in different location should I worry about giving her Genital HSV1? Other than myself being on suppressive therapy we have never practiced safe sex. Being that she never has had a genital breakout, it would seem that we are immune to further hsv1 infections. Thank you so much for listening and any help with this question would be wonderful.

 

Trace

 

[MMissouri]

I think genital infections are worse than oral just because there are more things to irritate the area. (Friction, heat/sweat, etc).

 

As for her getting a genital outbreak, it's possible, but pretty rare from what I understand. I haven't ever seen stats on genital to genital transmission of HSV1. If anything, you are at a greater risk of picking it up orally from her than her getting it genitally from you. I think at this point in the relationship, if you haven't picked it up, you probably won't, unless something happens to someones immune system.

 

My husband has it orally, I have it genitally. We are pretty sure he is my giver. (sometimes you just don't know). We have never used antivirals (except for my last few weeks of pregnancy) or any other protection other than avoiding the areas during an outbreak. He has never had a genital outbreak, I've never had an oral one (17 years later).

 

Welcome to the forum :)

 

[Trace68]

I think genital infections are worse than oral just because there are more things to irritate the area. (Friction, heat/sweat, etc).

 

As for her getting a genital outbreak, it's possible, but pretty rare from what I understand. I haven't ever seen stats on genital to genital transmission of HSV1. If anything, you are at a greater risk of picking it up orally from her than her getting it genitally from you. I think at this point in the relationship, if you haven't picked it up, you probably won't, unless something happens to someones immune system.

 

My husband has it orally, I have it genitally. We are pretty sure he is my giver. (sometimes you just don't know). We have never used antivirals (except for my last few weeks of pregnancy) or any other protection other than avoiding the areas during an outbreak. He has never had a genital outbreak, I've never had an oral one (17 years later).

 

Welcome to the forum :)

 

Thank so much for taking the time to help. It seems like our situation is similar. I've scheduled an appointment with my Dr to discuss this further. I'll be sure to follow-up and post my doctors thoughts on the subject. Thanks again.

 

Trace68

[MMissouri]

You're welcome. Make sure you see a doctor that is up to date on H information. Unfortunately most general practitioners are not.

[Trace68]

Good point. I guess an infectious disease specialist would the proper choice? I'll be sure to have my doc to refer me to someone.

[MMissouri]

I don't know that you would need one of those. Since you are a guy, why not have her set up an appointment with her gynecologist for you both? Or, you could check out a clinic that specializes in STDs. (Sorry, I'm not sure exactly where guys go for genital problems lol)

[optimist]

@Trace68 There's an expert named Terri Warren who has a forum with a Q&A page. I know I've seen this type of question asked multiple times and I believe her point of view is that there is no need for precautions beyond perhaps abstaining during outbreaks. Don't take my word for it, though. Check out the forum, and if you don't find your specific question answered, you can ask her. There is a small fee but she is a recognized expert. My guess is you will find an identical question already asked and answered in the forum without having to ask yourself. Not sure if it's cool to link to it, but search for Westover Heights Clinic forum and you'll find the Q&A page.