HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can HSV-1 Be Contracted Through Sexual Intercourse?

default
Posted on Wed, 23 Aug 2017
Question: I was just tested for std's, and I was negative on everything except Herpes, type 1 oral. I've had cold sores, rarely, since I was child. What do I tell my sexual partner?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
very common, rarely has symptoms, not genital herpes

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Herpes simplex 1 is very common. According to the WHO, HSV 1 is used acquired in childhood, it is found in at least 67% (2/3) of the population so it is very common.

Many persons have this particular virus.

It is transmitted by oral to oral contact mainly, most persons with HSV1 have it in the mouth region only.
Few people have it in the genitalia.

It is transmitted most commonly when there are lesions around the mouth but can sometimes be transmitted if there are no lesions are present.

Most persons do not know that they have it because there are no symptoms present.

You can say: (1) it is common infection, 2/3 of persons have it, can consider asking if also has cold sores (this would mean also has HSV 1)
(2)most persons do not have symptoms (stated that your sores occurred rarely since childhood)
(3)mainly causes cold sores, as you mentioned
(4)transmitted mainly when sores are present
(5)do not have the genital herpes

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can HSV-1 Be Contracted Through Sexual Intercourse?

Brief Answer: very common, rarely has symptoms, not genital herpes Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic Herpes simplex 1 is very common. According to the WHO, HSV 1 is used acquired in childhood, it is found in at least 67% (2/3) of the population so it is very common. Many persons have this particular virus. It is transmitted by oral to oral contact mainly, most persons with HSV1 have it in the mouth region only. Few people have it in the genitalia. It is transmitted most commonly when there are lesions around the mouth but can sometimes be transmitted if there are no lesions are present. Most persons do not know that they have it because there are no symptoms present. You can say: (1) it is common infection, 2/3 of persons have it, can consider asking if also has cold sores (this would mean also has HSV 1) (2)most persons do not have symptoms (stated that your sores occurred rarely since childhood) (3)mainly causes cold sores, as you mentioned (4)transmitted mainly when sores are present (5)do not have the genital herpes I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions