Help with understanding HSV-1 !
Posted , 2 users are following.
I've been diagnosed with HSV-1 for about 4 months now and I'm still having trouble finding facts and understanding this disease better. I used to get cold sores as a kid (most likely from my mom) and I didn't know it was HSV-1 I was just told it was cold sores. After my diagnosis I reaserched more and found out that oral hsv-1 can be transmitted to genitals with or without symptoms. I've been in relationships before and have given oral multiple times without transmitting it (as far as I know of) and I've been in my current relationship for months now and I want to know what is the possibility that somewhere down the line I'm going to transfer my oral hsv-1 to genital hsv-1 and ruin my relationship. This is a constant fear I have even though I disclosed I want to know what is the possibility of this happening. Just to let you know I barely get one cold sore every couple years but since the diagnosis I've been taking L-lysine 1000mg a day since just to try and help with the shedding that is supposedly happening. If anyone could help me please do this has been bugging me non stop for months now. Thank you
0 likes, 5 replies
FelizCastus Blackdragon911
Posted
There are no studies on this, so no transmission risk percentages to quote, plus it varies from person to person and by the different dynamics of each couple. You just need to remain casually vigilant and avoid skin contact when you detect tingling or sores. If your partner already carries it, then there's no issue.
Blackdragon911 FelizCastus
Posted
Well as we've been dating for a while and kissing a lot isn't it true that there is a high chance I should've passed the infection on to her already orally and she just shows no symptoms but her body is building up antibodies? OR is that an outrageous theory or claim. I just need to be sure I'm not putting her in danger by not doing everything possible I could do to avoid her from getting this
FelizCastus Blackdragon911
Posted
Anything is possible. She might have it already without any symptoms, or she might not have it. Herpes doesn't always pass. Discordant couples can remain discordant for years, while in some cases it may take only one encounter. It's very random, as many factors are involved.
Blackdragon911 FelizCastus
Posted
FelizCastus Blackdragon911
Posted
You already carry HSV1 orally and should thus be immune to it genitally, so symptoms of initial infection do not apply. Do you mean in your partner's case? Or recurrences? If oral recurrences, it's just the usual: tingling beforehand and blisters/sores (usually at the lip margins, less commonly on hard surfaces inside the mouth, not soft). Be extra vigilant following known triggers like illness or intense sun exposure, etc.