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Question:
I was diagnosed with herpes simplex one 2 years
ago. My first out break was very small and I have not
had another. It was located on my vagina but I thought
simplex one was only oral not genial. What are the
facts on this? I have not told my partner about this
either. I feel like because it has laid dormer for 2 years
that maybe I was missed diagnosed. Is this possible that
I don't have genital herpes but the other kind?
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Answer:
by : (05/13/2004)
You have brought up two important issues: needing
information about genital herpes and building trust in
your relationship. Whether the herpes simplex virus is
type 1 or 2, it's still called genital herpes if the lesion
was on the genitals. I'm glad you're asking questions
about this skin disease because although your doctor
apparently did a test at the time of your initial
outbreak to determine which herpes simplex virus you
had, the disease was never fully explained to you. HSV
1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1) usually shows up as
cold sores or fever blisters on the lips, face and mouth,
while HSV 2 is usually below the waist. However, there
is some crossover. Although herpes can be a serious
health issue for some, most experience discomfort and
annoyance.
You may never have another outbreak, especially from
type 1, but you still have genital herpes. It's highly
probable to produce virus even when there are no
symptoms at all. Which means you are contagious even
without symptoms. This is called "asymptomatic
shedding." I recommend that you learn all you can and
then tell your partner. Start by phoning the National
Herpes Hotline from 9am-7pm Eastern Time M-F at
919/361-8488 (NOT a toll free call, but the best
source), followed up by written information they can
offer. Next, check out the Herpes Web ring at
www.herpes.org/webring. After learning all the facts,
you can gain support and empathy by using the same
site to contact others with herpes.
When you feel informed and comfortable with
herpes information yourself, you can visit the Hotline's
parent organization website at www.ashastd.org for
tips on how and when to tell your partner and possible
reactions. Your decision to talk to your partner will
demonstrate how much you care and is the only way to
build a relationship based on trust. After all, keeping
herpes a secret denies your partner the opportunity to
make joint decisions about reducing risk of
transmission. You'd want that choice if it were
reversed, wouldn't you?
Telling your partner is the mature, emotionally
healthy way to proceed. Sexual health requires
honesty with one's self and partner(s). You've made an
excellent start by contacting us. Let us know if we can
be of further assistance.
Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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