And another question.

I'm still working on figuring out what strain I have, but let's assume HSV-1 (genitally), and also assume my partner has HSV-1 orally.

My partner seems to be a carrier, so has had this unknowingly for years. So he's built up lots of nice antibodies etc. We have been having unprotected sex for a very long time. Is it possible for someone with oral HSV-1 to have sex with me (genital HSV-1), and then get HSV-1 genitally as well. Or will his happy little antibodies protect him from this type of transfer. Once you have it, and have that immunity - is that it??

Any input welcome, thanks

I’ve asked this same question previously. My answer was Yes it is possible. Also figure in the factor that its harder for a woman to pass it along to a man than it is visa versa.

I see your in Canada. Perhaps you could start the march to brining the country up to date with type specific blood tests.

Or Come on Down and jump the line and camp out in the USA and get a type specific blood test.

Personally it would drive me nuts not knowing. I’m sure your ready for the funny farm about it as well.

It is stressful not knowing, and no one here seems to have any idea that there even IS a type specific test. How am I supposed to know if my partner has the same strain, and thus we are "safe". My doc doesn't even think it's important info!! ARGH!!

Still working on it.

Surprised to hear it's harder for female to pass to male. I never thought about it before, but if I had, I would have thought it'd be the other way around!!

Any other input??

About the passing of the virus.. How it was explained to me was that the outside of a mans penis is similar to the outside of our cheek (on our face) and the outsides/insides of a woman are similar to the inside of our cheek.-Warm, wet and very inviting for a virus.. Com-pren-day?

Whether thats correct or not I haven’t a clue. Thats just how it was explained to me by my doctor.

The men are gettin it somehow thats for sure, or us women wouldn't have it...

And by the way Catharine.. You should order the

“Updated Herpes Handbook” if you haven’t already..

I'll look that up online. Just more facts, or is there something special in it you think I need??

Cheek to cheek - I KNEW there was a reason I never liked that saying!! :wave:

Thx

You do not get the same strain twice. But you can spread it to other parts of your body, including your eyes. Usually the virus stays at the site of infection. But that's not guaranteed.

To be typed, go to a knowledgable gyn when you have an outbreak. The blister can be lanced and the fluid sent to a lab and typed. You can also have a blood test for antibodies at a lab, but you will need a doctor's order to have the test done. You will only have antibodies to the type you are infected with, however, it does take time for the infection to make itself known in your body, (i.e., build up antibodies sufficient for testing) so if you contracted HSV the night before, its not goign to show up yet.

The usual site for HSV2 is genitals, but not necessarily. Same with HSV1, usually the oral cavity or the outside of the corners of the mouth, but not always. When the site of infection is the genitals, men carry the virus in their semen. Women carry it in their cervix.

Oceana,
The virus is transmitted by skin to skin contact. Semen does not harbor the virus. Men CAN have the virus present inside of the urethra with no external sores.

Catharine, I think the little handbook is worth its weight. I also wondered if I should get it. I’m glad I did. I did learn a few things that I hadn’t already known.

One really nice thing about it is its all right there in a small handbook in black and white print.

Hey California -

I'll look into the book.

Oceana -

I'm in Canada, and supposedly I can't get typed. I've been calling around to the labs, but this just doesn't seem to be available, which is stupid. It's been confirmed via culture that I have "Herpes Simplex", but they don't test for type here. As far as I can see, I'll need to take a road trip across the border just to find out this information.

I agree, it's not transferred via semen but via skin on skin.

California - or anyone -

You say that men can have sores inside their urethra. (Ouch) I've read a lot on this site about OB's in the genital region, but I'm wondering if the women ever actually get it INSIDE their vagina. I did notice one spot today that's really more inside than out, but it seems a bit strange to me. It's also more of a general swelling - not an area to be lanced, just similar to if you'd sprained your ankle and it swelled up. About the size of a quarter with a teeny tiny "whitehead" on the side. There is also a possible lesion beside it. I just didn't think this occurred in this location. Thoughts??

Catharine,

Ok, two people have given you conflicting information regarding transferring HSV-1 to different sites of the body (oral to genital). The answer is that most likely your boyfriend will not get genital herpes type-1 from you since he has already had HSV-1 orally for many years, hence his body has had sufficient time to build-up antibodies to the HSV-1 virus. His body would be able to fight off the infection before it gets ahold down there. Also, genital HSV-1 is not anywhere close to as bad as HSV-2 genitally and one can eventually stop getting OBs altogether because the virus does not thrive as well down there.

Yes you should read the herpes handbook, it's online, from Terri Warren. I'd also recommend reading about herpes on ****pedia. It confirmed to me that taking antivirals stunts your body's own ability to build up an immunity to the virus. That's exactly what I thought and I'm glad I have been strong enough mentally and physically to not take them, and let my body fight it out with the virus.

Thanks Oceanus - you are always a great source of information!!

I was fairly certain about the transfer issue, but I'm glad you've confirmed for me!!

Cheers!