Question:
Hi, first post, Yay! I've done a lot of research but I'm still unclear about this.

Ok, my girlfriend and I have never had any outbreaks or coldsores, but we've had previous partners. She has just contracted genital HSV1 so I went to the doctor and tested positive for HSV1.

My question is, since she has had an outbreak and I have not, how likely would I get an outbreak if we still had sex/oral sex without protection (isn't it kinda pointless since I already have it?) after her outbreak has cleared? Since she has had vaginal HSV1, could she still get it orally or are the chances a lot smaller since she's already had an outbreak?

Answer:
Hey Bear,

You probably have oral HSV1 and gave it to her when you gave her oral sex. If you two have unprotected sex, there is still a chance that she can transmit it to your genitals, but it's made lower because you already have antibodies against HSV1. Still, I would give it at least a month before you start having unprotected sex, because she is shedding virus a lot since she just got the infection. To be safe, I would say hold off on the unprotected sex for 3 months.

Remember though, no matter what, the risk is always there. If you really want to minimize it, use antivirals and condoms.

Answer:
Thanks for the good advice. One other question though: If I have sex with someone that doesn't have HSV, then I can't give it to them because I have the oral HSV right? Or does it not matter?

Answer:
Bearbear,No you would not give it to them through intercouse,because you have oral.It is only in your mouth.This being said if you gave someone oral sex you could definetly infect them.

Answer:
Whoa there do you absolutely know that you only have it orally? You said that you tested positive but was it a bloodtest? I'm confused because you said that neither of you have ever had an ob and then you say that she has it vaginally. I'm going to assume she has had a genital ob and this is what prompted the testing right?

If you have unprotected sex with anyone you can contract all sorts of stuff - herpes might be the least of it.

Talking of infections - you can't give someone hsv genitally if you only have it orally and you aren't having oral sex. But you can give it to them from kissing. If you have hsv genitally you can give it to someone genitally. If you have hsv only orally you can transmit to someone through oral contact only. And to further confuse this if you give someone hsv from kissing they can give it to you later genitally through oral sex.

What a lovely disease the gift that just keeps giving.

Answer:
I have a similar topic, just want some clarifiation.
I have HSV-1 genitally, we think my boyfriend has HSV-1 orally (bc he had a cold sore, he's going to get tested for the purpose of this question assume he has HSV-1 orally). So can I give it to him on his genitals? would it be less likely because he has it orally? would me taking valtrex or acyclovir daily help prevent giving it back to him? or could he give it to me orally? so many questions.