HSV 1 and HSV 2 in different partners

[coastlovertoo]

I’m a new member and I have had cold sores since I was a teenager. I am now in my 50’s. I met a wonderful woman 2 months ago and before we became intimate she told me that she contracted Genital Herpes 15 years ago but was not sure whether it was HSV 1 or HSV 2. I accepted this quite easily because of the way I felt about her and also I knew that I had Oral Herpes most probably HSV 1 myself. We each were tested for STDs and she tested positive for HSV 2 and me for HSV 1. We have had both protected and unprotected intercourse and oral sex with no protection. 2weeks ago I had an outbreak on my lips, which was in a different location, and more involved it seems than ever before around my mouth. I have used Zovirax cream very successfully in the past and with this particular outbreak this medication seemed to offer little relief. The new site has since stopped itching and seems to finally be dryer and is now healing after several weeks. I plan on getting tested again as a follow up in a few months to see if I do have HSV 2 (yet) but my questions now are:

1) If I do have both HSV 1 and now HSV 2 in my oral area would it be possible for me to contract HSV 1 (again) or HSV 2 (again) genitally as well?

2) Is it still possible for my lady partner to contract HSV 1 from me genitally and HSV 2 (again) from me orally, if I do have both, or is she protected from HSV 2 orally because she already has HSV 2 genitally?

3) As I am only suspecting a “different” sort of obviously HSV outbreak, what are the chances of my having possibly contracted HSV 2 orally from my partner when she is not experiencing an active outbreak after 15 years of her having this HSV condition?

Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide me and for others to refer to as well.

[Ca.Girl2]

Hi Coastlover,

I'm anxious to read what peoples take on this is. I'm curious too!

Not sure if the answers to the questions your asking would be covered in this pamphlet but I'd like to recommend the Herpes Hand book. Do a search for it on the net and it'll pop up. Go ahead and order it. Its very inexpensive and very informative.

Sometimes reading through material it can be like a treasure hunt to find the answers to the questions we're asking. Sometimes we have to do a bit of deciphering.

I think your partner can acquire hsv2 orally even though she has it genitally. I hesitate in answering this because I don't like perpetuating incorrect information but I believe when I asked the same question that was the overwhelming answer that was given.

There are many well informed people who regularly write here and respond. I'm sure you'll get your questions answered.

Cheers

[coastlovertoo]

Thanks Ca.Girl2 I do appreciate your comments and look forward to the opinions of others. I will source out the Herpes Handbook that you mention.

[catharine101]

I also asked the same question when I first was blessed with this virus. The response I got then was something to the effect of:

Yes, even if you have Type 1/2 genitally, it can be transferred to the other location. It's rare, though. That's because you're body has developed a defense against the virus which affects your whole body.

Since then, I've discovered that it's even more rare, if not virtually unknown, to have HSV2 orally. All the literature, and all the comments on this site, indicate that it's possible to have HSV2 orally. But it seems that that comment is more of a cover your butt comment. When I asked the board in general, nobody responded that they had HSV2 orally. Apparently it's REALLY rare.

So the answer seems to be, yes, technically it's possible. However, it's improbable.

That's what my reading has told me - I'd love to hear other opinions on this tho...

[Oasis]

It is possible to have hsv2 orally...............someone I was dating did have it
and he had gotten it from someone who apparently had hsv2 genitally but was not aware of that. His having hsv2 orally was confirmed by a blood test and also swab culture.