Question:
I was recently diagnosed with herpes. I requested that my doctor order blood work to determine which simplex (or both) that I am positive for. The results came back with me being HSV-1 positive only. My partner got tested as well and he also came back as being HSV-1 positive only as well. The only difference is that he has never had sores on his genitals. He's only ever had cold sores on his mouth like most everyone I know has, including me. I know that HSV-1 can be transmitted from the mouth to the genitals but I'm curious if it will be necessary for us to use condoms and dental dams from now on? Even though we're both HSV-1 positive, can I give him the genital version now? Please help - I find conflicting information everywhere I look and we're both very concerned about this.
Thanks for your help!

Answer:
yes, hsv1 can be genital also. yes, you can both transfer the virus to each other genitally. using dental dams, condoms, etc. is a choice you both have to make.

Answer:
So (and I'm sorry I sound like a 3 year old about this but it's all so new to me) even though I do have genital hsv-1, but he has oral hsv-1, I can still transfer it to his genitals when I'm not breaking out? From what I understand, shedding occurs much less often with hsv-1 than hsv-2. Even if I'm all clear, he might still get genital hsv-1? And could he end up with a more severe case on his face if he performs oral sex on me? It's hard to figure out how to live with this and keep him protected.:-) I appreciate the reply and look forward to receiving more information.
Thanks!