Question - cold sores vs genital

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

brad t - 20 Jul 2005 00:12 GMT

I've had cold sores on my lips once or twice a year as far as I can
remember. I've been having unprotected sex with a girl who had pretty
bad genital herpes outbreaks in the past but not recently (since we've
been together). I had NO idea she had genital herpes or any health
problems until very recently. She said she "forgot" to tell me. Can
anyone tell me what my chances are of being infected - since I have
the other kind of herpes already? If I stop seeing her, how long do I
have to wait for symptoms to show genitally? How effective are condoms
against herpes - some websites say they're not 100% effective because
herpes transmits by skin "shedding"?

Thanks -

Reply to this Message

M2slo2cht@nospam.invalid - 20 Jul 2005 00:43 GMT

>Can
>anyone tell me what my chances are of being infected

Nope. Sorry. Even if we knew all the variables involved that you
haven't mentioned, it'd be a long shot in the dark.

>- since I have
>the other kind of herpes already?

How do you know you have the "other" kind? Granted, you probably have
type 1 as type 2 is rarely found orally. But type 1 Genital is not at
all uncommon. It's very possible she has type 1, same as you. The
only way to find out is by lab test.

>If I stop seeing her, how long do I
>have to wait for symptoms to show genitally?

You may NEVER have symptoms genitally. In fact, most people infected
never have symptoms or if they do, they're so mild they're not even
noticeable.

>How effective are condoms
>against herpes - some websites say they're not 100% effective because
>herpes transmits by skin "shedding"?

Nothing in life is 100%. But using condoms *can* reduce the risk of a
transfer. Yes the virus is shed by the skin in the boxer shorts region
but knowing the exact location within that area is impossible to know
on an individual basis.
If you intend to stay with this lady, I suggest you both get tested to
see which (if not both) types you two are infected by. Then, if you're
infected with different types, there are ways of reducing the risk of
transfer. For instance, condoms in addition to suppressive therapy can
reduce the risk considerably for genital infections. Obviously,
condoms won't be effective in reducing the risk that you might infect
her orally.

M2

Reply to this Message

brad t - 20 Jul 2005 01:21 GMT

>>- since I have
>>the other kind of herpes already?
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>all uncommon. It's very possible she has type 1, same as you. The
>only way to find out is by lab test.

An old post said Type 1 makes it "harder" to get Type 2. Is this still
the correct medical knowledge? And from what I've read, cold sores are
Type 1. No?

>>If I stop seeing her, how long do I
>>have to wait for symptoms to show genitally?
>
>You may NEVER have symptoms genitally. In fact, most people infected
>never have symptoms or if they do, they're so mild they're not even
>noticeable.

Scary thought...

Reply to this Message

M2slo2cht@nospam.invalid - 20 Jul 2005 04:43 GMT

>An old post said Type 1 makes it "harder" to get Type 2. Is this still
>the correct medical knowledge?

.......... "harder" than if you were never exposed to either one, but
I wouldn't count on it for much protection.

>And from what I've read, cold sores are
>Type 1. No?

Usually but not always. Either type can be found in either location
(oral/genital). But type 1 is much more common genitally than type 2
is orally.

M2

Reply to this Message

Angela S. - 20 Jul 2005 19:03 GMT

My notes below ~

> An old post said Type 1 makes it "harder" to get Type 2. Is this still
> the correct medical knowledge? And from what I've read, cold sores are
> Type 1. No?

Having type-1 antibodies in your system might help but it's not foolproof.
In fact it is said that the protection is not significant enough. This was
recently discussed with Terri Warren not to long ago over on WebMD so it's
something new for me. Now having type-2 antibodies offers a lot more
protection. You just have to keep in mind that it's possible for people to
aquire both types and there are those that do test positive for both.

Hope this helps,

Angela :-)

Signature

The STD Resource Network -
by Those Who Live It!
www.yoshi2me.com
www.herpes-help.org
www.herpesonline.org
www.std-for-dummies.org

Reply to this Message

Angela S. - 20 Jul 2005 00:53 GMT

Have you ever had a type specific herpes test in order to rule out that you
do not have herpes type-2 ?

Angela

Signature

The STD Resource Network -
by Those Who Live It!
www.yoshi2me.com
www.herpes-help.org
www.herpesonline.org
www.std-for-dummies.org

> I've had cold sores on my lips once or twice a year as far as I can
> remember. I've been having unprotected sex with a girl who had pretty
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Thanks -

Reply to this Message

brad t - 20 Jul 2005 01:15 GMT

>Have you ever had a type specific herpes test in order to rule out that you
>do not have herpes type-2 ?
>
>Angela

No, I never had any reason to. But I've passed every STD including HIV
in a test I took last year. Now I really feel bad. I've looked at the
web sites (herpes.com) and old posts in this newsgroup and the
information is either wildly optimistic ("I've had sex with my spouse
for 20 years and never infected them - no biggie, just a cold sore in
the wrong place!!!") or excruciatingly painful ("I want to kill the
bastard who gave it to me").... Or else: "Who knows?"
This lack of concrete information bothers me more than anything, and I
am growing very resentful toward this person.

Reply to this Message

Grant - 20 Jul 2005 02:29 GMT

Hi Brad,

I'd be resentful, too. I mean...how could she forget to tell you? However, did
you tell her that you had cold sores?

Herpes tests aren't included in the regular std panel. So unless you've been
tested, you won't know if you also have type 2. (Assuming your cold sores are
type 1.)

What lack of concrete information are you talking about, exactly? Is it herpes
information? Or are you upset because everyone reports about their herpes
differently. Everyone's case is going to be different. There are so many
variables that go into whether or not you will be bothered by a herpes
infection. My first two years were hell and now I never have outbreaks.

Take care,
ar

>>Have you ever had a type specific herpes test in order to rule out that you
>>do not have herpes type-2 ?
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>This lack of concrete information bothers me more than anything, and I
>am growing very resentful toward this person.

Reply to this Message

Angela S. - 20 Jul 2005 19:06 GMT

My notes below ~

>>Have you ever had a type specific herpes test in order to rule out that
>>you
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> No, I never had any reason to. But I've passed every STD including HIV
> in a test I took last year.

Was herpes testing included in that test? Herpes is not usually included in
routine std testing.. so you may want to double check and see what you were
actually tested for.

> Now I really feel bad. I've looked at the
> web sites (herpes.com) and old posts in this newsgroup and the
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> This lack of concrete information bothers me more than anything, and I
> am growing very resentful toward this person.

I would probably stick to reading the free herpes handbook over on
www.westoverheights.com. Terri Warren always makes sure to update it with
the most current and accurate information about herpes simplex virus. The
site you mentioned doesn't do that.. from my honest observations of them
over the years.

Hang in there,

Angela :-)

Signature

The STD Resource Network -
by Those Who Live It!
www.yoshi2me.com
www.herpes-help.org
www.herpesonline.org
www.std-for-dummies.org

Reply to this Message