Hi there

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I am confused??!?!?!?!?!?

I was diagnosed with genital HSV type 1 in June 2008. My primary involved a lymph node becoming swollen in my groin and painful urination. I didn't see a single sore and I have never seen one. I don't think I have had an outbreak since I was diagnosed. I do occasionally get a mild itch on the tip of my penis, but this seems to only be when I think about it. I don't know if this means I have prodrome/outbreak or if my mind is playing tricks on me.

I have had 2 sexual partners since my diagnosis (I made both of them aware of my status before we had sex) and neither of them contracted GHSV from me (They have been tested).

I now have a new girlfriend (again I have told her) with whom I have yet to have sex with. I am really concerned about passing it on to her. Obviously I know that I am most likely to pass it on when active lesions are present, but I have never had a sore. I know I should abstain from sex when I feel an outbreak coming on but I dont think I have had an outbreak.

I guess I should count myself lucky that my life has not been affected too much by this, but it is really confusing as I dont appear to have

prodrome > outbreak > healing

giving me an obvious time when I should abstain. How do I reduce the risk of passing it on to her?

Also, she has OHSV1 - does this really offer some protection from GHSV1?

Thanks

Hi.. well you are lucky.. so to speak having HSV1 is better then HSV2 since you will tend to have a lot less outbreaks and less shedding .. I believe HSV1 genital sheds 3% out of the year.

If your partner has a history of hsv-1 orally, they are highly resistant to catching a new infection of the same type even if it is in a different location.

I would love to post the transmission stats for you but the only ones available are that of HSV2 which would not help you any lol I think you both should be ok.

Also, still take precaution as to avoid sex when having an outbreak or symptoms of one coming on :)

Also just curious how the both of you were tested? Some blood test are more reliable then others.. ;)