Genital HSV-1

[chance22]

Hi everyone, I was just diagnosed with genital HSV-1 this past weekend after a minor outbreak the prior 2 weeks. I am handling it incredibly well, probably b/c when I first got the test back the nurse told me I had HSV-2 which I understand is usually more severe and recurs more often, and I was devastated! Then I went in to my doctor to get more antivirals for suppressive therapy and the doctor confirmed it's HSV-1 and I saw the actual test results. I don't think anyone's ever been happier about having herpes-1 before haha. Anyway, I'm in a new relationship and we're still waiting for his results, but he says he's never had an outbreak. We do have lots of oral sex and I'm thinking that's how I contracted the virus. He's been incredibly supportive, wants to continue to do everything we're used to doing, and after I got the ok to have sex again we did have sex with condoms yesterday and so far so good, I have heard sex is an OB trigger for many but I feel fine/normal. I know HSV-1 sheds less than HSV-2 genitally, and that it's very possible I will never have another outbreak. I also want to continue on suppressive therapy (acyclovir 400 mg 2x/day) for at least 6 months just to be safe, and that greatly reduces viral shedding (my doc told me it eliminates shedding between OBs with genital HSV-1 but I don't think I believe that). My worst nightmare would be giving this to my partner if it turns out he doesn't already have it. My question is- if he DOES have oral HSV-1 and that's how I got it, can he still give me unprotected oral b/c he's immune to it? Obviously if I was having an OB or recovering from one I would not let anyone go near me- ouch!- but if I have no symptoms, is that ok? Can I give him HSV-1 genitally, or is he immune to that as well if he already has it orally? If we have both been tested and know everything else is negative, it would be awesome to not have to use condoms/dental dams, and he already says he's fine with not using protection even if he's negative but I don't want to pass this to him or make it worse for him! We were talking about using coconut oil as a lube if we have unprotected sex since it has antiviral properties and I've read that using lube lowers the chance of getting OBs from sex. Has anyone done that with good results?

Thanks and sorry for the novel!

[JBnATL]

Hi there, welcome to the website! You sure have done your homework!

If he does have it oral, you cannot give it to him again in that location. He would also have antibodies to help prevent him from getting it genital but theoretically that would be possible. However the risk is so small and if he is willing to accept that risk, then go for it.

Good luck!

JB