Can herpes simplex 1 be spread via genital contact to someone else who already gets cold sores?

Question

I get cold sores. (only 2 so far in my life) this means that I have herpes simplex 1 (of the mouth). My girlfriend recently discovered that she has herpes simplex 1 (on her genitals, but not her mouth). I may or may not have given it to her via oral sex (We have both had different sexual partners both before and after different periods of dating). Can she spread simplex 1 to MY genitals via genital contact?

Now before you give me an answer, I suggest that you re-read the details of this question. She has had a medical professional tell her that it CANNOT be spread to me via genital contact. Before we have genital contact again, we would like to research this to be sure I am not putting myself at risk by having genital contact with her. This is her second outbreak and I obviously wouldn't have genital contact with her during an outbreak. If it cannot be spread, are the outbreaks relevant to genital contact?

Keep in mind that there are 2 types of "Herpes"; Herpes simplex 1, the type more commonly found in cold sores, and herpes simplex 2, the type most people think of when the hear the word "herpes"...(the bad one, where you get more frequent, severe outbreaks, most commonly on the genitals)

Also, we are free of any other s.t.d.'s and always have used condoms with ALL of our "other" sexual partners. (This is irrelvant to herpes because condoms generally will not prevent the spread of either type.)

Answer 1

Herpes simplex virus 1 is typically cold sores while herpes simplex virus 2 is typically genital herpes. I say typically because both can cause either cold sores or genital herpes, but HSV1 is more common as cold sores while HSV2 is more commonly genital herpes.

It is very possible for you to have given her genital herpes. In fact, I've read that 30% of people with genital herpes got it from cold sores (HSV1). And, it's also possible for her to give you genital herpes as well. Since herpes simplex virus 1 can cause genital herpes, if you were to have sex with her, you can possibly get genital herpes from her.

Genital herpes can be spread at any time, outbreak or no outbreak. My fiance and I both have genital herpes. I got it over 5 years ago from a guy I slept with ONE time. He was not having an outbreak or showing any signs of the virus. My fiance got it from me about 8 months ago. I hadn't had an outbreak in over a year and a half and he still got the virus from me! So, it can definitely be spread even if the person is not showing signs of the virus or having an outbreak.

Check out this site for more information:
http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/hw270613/te3044;_ylt=Am4wdujv8P1QAM.oUl494xnXNLUF

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both virus types can cause sores around the mouth (herpes labialis) and on the genitals (genital herpes). Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Cold sores sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. The skin around the blisters is often red, swollen, and sore. The blisters may break open, leak a clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. They usually heal in several days to 2 weeks.

The herpes simplex virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth. It is usually spread when a person touches a cold sore or touches infected fluid?such as from sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person, or touching that person's saliva. A parent who has a cold sore often spreads the infection to his or her child in this way. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body.

Luckly there is a cure for herpes https://tr.im/l7tD3

Answer 5

3

Answer 6

Yes, there isn't any. Herpes is caused by a virus. Actually, there is little cure for viruses nowadays. The only thing that you can generally do in the case of a viral infection is strengthen the immune system and hope it fights it off. Not with Herpes, the immune system can't win against it. Thus you only get to treat the symptoms. Once you're infected, it stays with you for life. So don't get infected.

Personal experience. I have had genital herpes for over 5 years.

The #1 Herpes Cure Program?

Answer 7

If a medical professional told her that it could not be spread from her genitalia to your geneitala, then i cannot understand how it was (apperently) that she contracted genital herpes simplex from your mouth to her genitals--think about this. And as both of you have been sexually active with others, using condoms ALL the time with everyone would be a good idea;someone might have carried worse than herpes.

Answer 8

iam a med-student and as my knowlege goes,it can spread but the chances are slim.The truth is HSV1 can spread to your genitals even if u get in-contact with ur genitals after touching the sores in your mouth.IF this is the case,what stops her genital sores from spreading to u with genital contact.The point is there is a chance.
Its important to understand that type1 and 2 are very alike,but differ in ther latency.Type 1 resides in the trigeminal ganglion behind ur ears and type 2 in the sacral ganglion at the base of the spine.Type1 predominantly 90% affects the areads of mouth but can affect genitals too.
But,if the doctor on examination said so.I would go with the doc as he or she studies the extent of spread,severity,fluid accumulation and all.But i wouldnt take anyone else's word for it.yet,there is always a chance.
I repeat.iam a med-student and this is more a suggestion from my knowledge.Hope it served your purpose...

Answer 9

YES! Herpes 1 can be transmitted to the genital area. More and more cases of 1 being transmitted genitally via. oral sex are being documented. Your doctor unfortunately is not up to date with his/her information and you will be able to find studies and documentation on the web. Most cases of Herpes, either 1 or 2, are transmitted during the asymptomatic phase when the person does not have blisters or sores.

Answer 10

Yes but it is less probable. You have an amount of immunity to it but as I read or heard from a reliable source a few years ago (I think it was on the news) it can be passed. I am not a dr. And it can be spread even when she isn't having an outbreak.