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HSV1 and lots of questions

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jlb824
jlb824

Hi, I have known for 16 yrs. that I have herpes. I got it from my husband who had a cold sore on his lip and gave me oral sex. The first outbreak was bad. Since then I have had only a few ob usually only 1 blister if any, usually I just have a itching, tingling feeling then it goes away. I haven't thought much about it because I was married to the guy who gave it to me. Now we are divorced and I want to date again. I went to the Dr. last week and had a blood test just to confirm it is HSV1 and I started on daily suppression with Valtrex. I guess my questions are if I start having sex again with a non infected guy. 

Will taking Valtrex daily help with the shedding with HSV1?

I have never had a cold sore on my mouth area so can I pass HSV1 if I give him oral sex?

If he gives me oral sex would he get cold sores then on his mouth?

I know to use condoms and I plan on telling anyone I am with. I just want to know the % of him getting it thru oral sex or regular sex. 

Thanks!

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • lynn00051
    lynn00051 jlb824

    Posted

    Hi there. I'm sorry to hear of your divorce. I have read that talking Valtrex as suppressive therapy reduces the risk of passing it to a partner by 48%. I'm not sure about the transmission questions regarding oral, but there are alot of informed people here who I'm sure will give you more information. Google has been a great resource, as well.
  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus jlb824

    Posted

    Valtrex reduces both outbreaks and asymptomatic shedding. That's the whole point of any of the HSV antiviral meds. The meds work on HSV-1 and HSV-2, but are not considered necessary for Type 1 ona daily basis, since Type 1 does not outbreak or shed much genitally.

    You can only pass Type 1 orally if you it orally. Without an outbreak there ever, it seems unlikely you have oral herpes. If he gives you sex oral sex and gets it, yes, he'd acquire it orally.

    There are no studies regarding transmission and purely oral sex or even HSV-1. Studies on general sexual relations in HSV-2 discordant couples show that Valtrex reduces transmission by almost 50%. Condoms also have a 50% reduction rate (some say only 30%). Female to male transmission when only outbreaks are avoided is 4% per *year* (not per sex act), plus condoms 2%, plus condoms and meds 1%.

    These stats are for Type 2. Type 1 would be much lower. Bare in mind, however, that the couples studied were established, monogamous and heterosexual couples. New infections, new relationships and other factors will increase the odds.

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus

      Posted

      Correction due to annoying phone problems, lol:

      You can only pass Type 1 orally if you *have it orally. Without ever having had an outbreak there, it seems unlikely that you have oral herpes. If he gives you *oral sex and gets it, yes, he'd acquire it orally.

      When I refer to meds, I mean *daily* meds, so suppressive therapy.

  • jlb824
    jlb824

    Posted

    Thanks for your replies!!

    I also have some issues with the skin between the vagina and anus that seems really thin and almost sometimes tears or cracks. Is this part of HSV? They don't look like blisters.

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus jlb824

      Posted

      Most likely. That area (perineum) is usually affected by herpes in women. Lesions can be tears, not necessarily blisters.
    • bethan67449
      bethan67449 jlb824

      Posted

      I have hsv2 and my breakouts are in that area and are always small cuts, never blisters!
  • jlb824
    jlb824

    Posted

    I mean I have had hsv for 16 yrs and never had many issues but since I went on Valtrex two weeks ago for suppressive therapy I have had a lot of itching and lesions. I thought Valtrex was suppose to prevent it!!
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus jlb824

      Posted

      I don't know why you're itching, etc., but you honestly don't need to go on suppressive therapy. First, you have Type 1, which is already less infectious, plus many people have it orally, so should be protected from it genitally. Second, you only ever had a few outbreaks. Third, you've had it for 16 years, so you should be shedding even less than you did before. Avoiding outbreaks and using condoms should be fine. Suppressive therapy is mostly for Type 2 and those who have very frequent outbreaks.
  • jlb824
    jlb824

    Posted

    Thanks for the information! I think I just wanted to be on it for more protection. I know that I haven't had bad ob's that other people have to go thru but I do suffer from itching, burning, and what look like cuts or tears from time to time. Just want to be careful! Thanks!!
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus jlb824

      Posted

      Fair enough, and it certainly doesn't hurt to be extra safe! Just fyi, as you may find you don't really need it long-term. Hope the itching isn't related!
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