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Is Intercourse Safe When Both The Partners Have Positive HSV1 Antibody?
Question: I once per couple years have my OB GYNE check me for every possible STI. Everything was negative except I got a positive HSV1 antibody. I have not had an outbreak in the past thus was not aware I had the antibody. Now I wonder if I should tell my past boyfriends? I had my current boyfriend tested he has the HSV antibody. Since we both have the antibody are we not going to spread it to each other or could we infect each others genitals.
Brief Answer:
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
HSV1 is the virus which usually affects the mouth and the lips. This is typically not a genital virus unless one involves in oral sex. It may spread when there are vesicles present.
HSV2 is the Herpes progenitalis which is the STI. The antibodies are IgM which indicates a current or recent infection and IgG which is indicative of a past infection.
So make sure that your boyfriend has HSV1 antibodies and not HSV2 antibodies and practice safe sex.
Take Care
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
HSV1 is the virus which usually affects the mouth and the lips. This is typically not a genital virus unless one involves in oral sex. It may spread when there are vesicles present.
HSV2 is the Herpes progenitalis which is the STI. The antibodies are IgM which indicates a current or recent infection and IgG which is indicative of a past infection.
So make sure that your boyfriend has HSV1 antibodies and not HSV2 antibodies and practice safe sex.
Take Care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
We both just have hsv1 antibodies only and do have oral sex. Since with both have the antibody is it for are whole bodies, can we spread it to each other's genitals since we already have the antibodies?
Also should I tell past partners over the past 2 years?
Also should I tell past partners over the past 2 years?
Brief Answer:
Mainly spreads through the fluid in the vesicles.
Detailed Answer:
The Virus spreads mainly by the fluid from the vesicular lesions.
If you had oral sex with vesicles on your lip or mouth, it could have spread to the genitals of your previous partners who were HSV1 negative.
HSV1 antibodies are protective against HSV1 but not against HSV2. So your present partner cannot be infected by you and vice versa.
If you are sure that you did not have oral sex when you had vesicles, it may not be essential to inform your past partners. If you are not sure, you may tell them.
Mainly spreads through the fluid in the vesicles.
Detailed Answer:
The Virus spreads mainly by the fluid from the vesicular lesions.
If you had oral sex with vesicles on your lip or mouth, it could have spread to the genitals of your previous partners who were HSV1 negative.
HSV1 antibodies are protective against HSV1 but not against HSV2. So your present partner cannot be infected by you and vice versa.
If you are sure that you did not have oral sex when you had vesicles, it may not be essential to inform your past partners. If you are not sure, you may tell them.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have not had oral or vaginal vesicles that I am aware of.
Should I tell the people I kissed in the past 1-2 years?
Should I tell the people I kissed in the past 1-2 years?
Brief Answer:
Discussed below
Detailed Answer:
HSV1 is a very common infection and majority of the adults have antibodies.
So if your past partners have been infected, it does not have to be through you.
It does not require any treatment in the normal circumstances.
If you feel you should still tell them about your antibodies, make it clear that it is HSV1 and not HSV2.
Relax, Wish you good health and a great day.
Discussed below
Detailed Answer:
HSV1 is a very common infection and majority of the adults have antibodies.
So if your past partners have been infected, it does not have to be through you.
It does not require any treatment in the normal circumstances.
If you feel you should still tell them about your antibodies, make it clear that it is HSV1 and not HSV2.
Relax, Wish you good health and a great day.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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