Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Recurrent Outbreak Of HSV-1 Post Unprotected Sex?
Question: I was diagnosed with hpsv type 1 sbout 4 years ago since then ive had only a hand full of outbreaks . I was outbreak free and i had unprotected sex . Two days later i noticed an outbreak that i thought was just razor burn but now im confident is an outbreak . Is it likely that my partner has it ? I had no symptoms of outbreak when i had sex they came days later .. They are more likely to get it if you have an active outbreak correct ? Im worries
Brief Answer:
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to HealthcareMagic.
I read carefully your query and understand your concerns.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1 is the main cause of herpes infections on the mouth and lips, including cold sores and fever blisters.
HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, although HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes.
It is possible that it is an outbreak of HSV-1 .It might be triggered from friction during sexual intercourse that can irritate the skin and cause an outbreak.
We can't exclude the possibility that your partner has genital herpes because he can transmit the virus even if the blisters or sores are not visible.He may have transmitted you HSV type 2 that has caused this outbreak.
The only way to know it for sure is to get tested to know if you are infected with HSV-2 (this test search for antibodies against HSV-2).
You should know that you can transmit the infection even if you don't have any sign of an outbreak.This risk is grater when you have an outbreak and you should avoid having sexual intercourse during an outbreak.
The only way to prevent transmission is to engage only in protected sexual intercourse (using a condom).This is not 100% safe but some protection is provided.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have other questions or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind Regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to HealthcareMagic.
I read carefully your query and understand your concerns.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Type 1 is the main cause of herpes infections on the mouth and lips, including cold sores and fever blisters.
HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, although HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes.
It is possible that it is an outbreak of HSV-1 .It might be triggered from friction during sexual intercourse that can irritate the skin and cause an outbreak.
We can't exclude the possibility that your partner has genital herpes because he can transmit the virus even if the blisters or sores are not visible.He may have transmitted you HSV type 2 that has caused this outbreak.
The only way to know it for sure is to get tested to know if you are infected with HSV-2 (this test search for antibodies against HSV-2).
You should know that you can transmit the infection even if you don't have any sign of an outbreak.This risk is grater when you have an outbreak and you should avoid having sexual intercourse during an outbreak.
The only way to prevent transmission is to engage only in protected sexual intercourse (using a condom).This is not 100% safe but some protection is provided.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have other questions or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind Regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
He doesnt have it . I just want to know what his risks are that he does have it even though the outbreak occured days after . Ive never given it to someone without an outbreak myself im scared because ive been reading that its most contagoous before your outbreak
Brief Answer:
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I apologize for the delay in answering your query.
Since you had unprotected sexual intercourse and 2 days later you had an outbreak ,the risk that you might have transmitted the infection to your partner is high.
As I said in the above answer is possible to transmit the infection even if you don't have any sign of an outbreak.
It is true that the risk is higher few days before an outbreak and during an outbreak because the virus is active and is replicating.
So the probability is high but is not 100% so it is possible that he isn't infected.
He may have an outbreak some days after the exposure or he might not have any symptom at all.
You can't know it for sure.
The only thing that you can do to prevent getting him infected is to avoid having sexual intercourse during an outbreak and to have always protected intercourse (use a latex condom).
Wish you all the best,
Take care.
Dr.Rovena
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
I apologize for the delay in answering your query.
Since you had unprotected sexual intercourse and 2 days later you had an outbreak ,the risk that you might have transmitted the infection to your partner is high.
As I said in the above answer is possible to transmit the infection even if you don't have any sign of an outbreak.
It is true that the risk is higher few days before an outbreak and during an outbreak because the virus is active and is replicating.
So the probability is high but is not 100% so it is possible that he isn't infected.
He may have an outbreak some days after the exposure or he might not have any symptom at all.
You can't know it for sure.
The only thing that you can do to prevent getting him infected is to avoid having sexual intercourse during an outbreak and to have always protected intercourse (use a latex condom).
Wish you all the best,
Take care.
Dr.Rovena
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
