United Kingdom
A 31-year-old male asked:
I gave my partner genital herpes through oral sex (hsv1) with no symptoms but had an outbreak a few weeks beforehand. she then passed it on to me through sex as she was unaware. does this mean i have hsv2 and 1 now?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Odhett Cojocaruanswered
Internal Medicine 26 years experience
HSV 1 and 2 are 2 different viruses. HSV 1 is more prevalent on the lips, but in the recent years it has been found more often in the genital area. HSV 2 is seen in the genital area. Both look the same when the outbreak happens, behave similarly and are treated with the same medications (for outbreaks or for suppression). Only a blood test for antibodies will be able to differentiate between them.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Sep 06, 2021

Dr. Harold Peltananswered
Ophthalmology 30 years experience
Bummer. It sounds as if you now have HSV1 above and below. You can get a test to see if you have accidentally caught HSV2 from a different source. Valacyclovir and L-lysine are two meds commonly taken to suppress and shorten outbreaks. You can spread herpes when the tingling starts shortly before the lesions appear and for awhile after they are gone. Use caution.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Sep 26, 2021

Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
Something doesn't compute. People are immune (at least highly resistant) to new infection with the HSV type they already have. If your partner's genital herpes is from your oral HSV1, probably she is not the source of your GH. Was your GH confirmed by testing a lesion? HSV1 and 2 refer to the virus, not to the body part infected. Maybe she has HSV2 as well as HSV1? You both should be retested.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Sep 28, 2021
Last updated Dec 26, 2022
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.