HSV 1 Herpes 😔

Posted , 4 users are following.

I contracted HSV1 from a long term partner, about 18 years ago, as a result of oral sex when he had a cold sore. I've been very good about always using condoms however I was married for 10 years and we didn't use protection. My husband at the time was aware of my HSV1 and he never got it. I can't ever seem to find information about genital HSV1 -and how contagious it is?

Also, does anyone else feel like the grossest person on the planet because of this or is it just me? I literally hate that I have it. It makes me feel so dirty even though it was from a boyfriend of 3 years.

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5 Replies

  • Posted

    It's not as contagious as HSV2 is but it's still contagious, but with condoms and suppression therapy the risk is dropped a lot smile

    Also I'm new to herpes and I've accepted it already I'm not dirty I know I'm not

    You had sex so what

    Your mom had sex

    Your nan had sex

    Your nans nad sex every time these women had sex they risked themselves, let's say your mom had herpes would you think she was dirty?

    Herpes is not found in the semen vagina fluids or blood, it's found on the skin, you can get it from cuddling someone skin to skin

    You have a skin condition the same as ezcma, why would you feel dirty? You take baths and showers don't you? You brush your teeth?

    You're not dirty

    There's people who have it a lot worst than me and you and me, there's little children who die of cancer and I can tell you now if a genie went to the parents of the children and said cancer or herpes they would thank the genie for the gift of life

    This doesn't effect your health in any way shape or form

    You're still the same beautiful person you was before the herpes

    Don't even worry about it

    • Posted

      Thank you so much. I know you are so right. After 18 years I know I should just accept it hasn't changed who I am as a person. I just really hate the stereotype that comes with it. Lot of love to you, thank you!

  • Posted

    Genital HSV1 is no different to having oral HSV1. Same virus, just different location. In fact, having it genitally is better, as it's less likely to shed, recur or transmit from there (true of gHSV1 only, not gHSV2).

    Genital HSV1 is not particularly infectious/contagious, so you don't have to worry about it too much. Just avoid sex during outbreaks (but I suspect you get very few, if any) and use condoms to be extra careful. You don't even need the meds for suppressive therapy, unless you get it bad and often.

    Also, many people (around two-thirds) apparently carry HSV1 orally, most without any symptoms. Your husband was likely an asymptomatic carrier and your ex a confirmed symptomatic carrier, so why feel gross? gHSV2 is understandably more concerning, but you're lucky that's not what you have.

    • Posted

      Thank you so much. This actually makes me feel a lot better. In reality I know I'm not gross but just the stigma with it and when people talk about it around me not knowing I have it, not the greatest feeling. Much love, thank you!

  • Posted

    I know this an old post but i found it when looking things up online related to my diagnosis. I have recently been diagnosed with the same. I have been in a committed marriage for 13 years and have one child. I have never had any symptoms/signs of my type 1 herpes. My husband has never had signs. He’s never been tested but i was when i was pregnant just as the usual precaution and it was negative then for herpes. I have also never had sexual contact with another partner except my husband. He did have sex prior to our marriage. I’m not sure if he has always had type 1 (or if he even does have it) and it’s been dormant and recently became ā€œactiveā€ and passed to me. But it is what it is...I have it now. Just diagnosed last week. Went in for yeast infection or BV and was tested for herpes with result of positive and was told today that it is type 1. Ā It has literally tore me up. Made me sick. I have had the same thoughts of being nasty, why did this happen, what does it mean, have i somehow given this to my child (since it’s type 1). I’ve never had a cold sore that i know of. Myself and my son get canker sores but that’s as close to a cold sore as I’ve got. I just have had all these questions. I am on valtrex now for ten days. I pray this doesn’t come back. It has greatly improved but i worry it will come back. It’s just crazy to think how type 1 got down there. I mean i know how it can happen but what’s the odds? I just feel so confused and shocked i guess. I have felt better after reading your posts/replies and hopefully this will not get the best of me. Trying to get it out of my head.Ā 

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