HERPES

I’m Gay and Have Anal Herpes

Dear Dr. Rob:

I just read all of the messages available on your site, and I
still couldn`t find the answer to mine. So here goes.

I`m a gay, 26 year old male who contracted anal herpes 3
months ago. I got a swab of a lesion, which came back
positive for herpes. Also – Since then, I`ve been blood
type tested twice. Both times the results came back positive
for HSV-1. I haven`t had an outbreak since then.

#1 – How likely is it that I will asymptomatically spread
HSV-1 to future partners – both as a "bottom" and a "top."
(with protection, of course).

#2 – How/where can I get tested to see whether I am an
asymptomatic "shedder"?

Thanks!

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Dr Rob’s Response:

Poster with Many Questions:

A real puzzle but it really isn`t. 20% of genital herpes can be
Type 1 if that is what you have gotten as a result of a Herpes Select
Test, rather than the non-specific herpes test, then you do have HSV1.
HSV1 is usually associated with mouth ulcers. The good news is
that if it is HSV1, you will probably not be bothered by many
recurrent lesions; the bad news is you can still transmit HSV1
sexually.

With regard to your other questions, without protection it is very
possible you will transmit it, and all people with HSV1 or HSV2
are asymptomatic shedders at some point during their course. It
is impossible to tell exactly when, so protection at all times is
necessary.

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