What Happens When You Have HSV-1 Oral and HSV-2 Genital, and Your Partner Has HSV-1 Genital?

When you and your partner both have herpes, it can still be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely manageable with some understanding and precautions. Here's a breakdown of the situation:

1. Oral Herpes (HSV-1) and Genital Herpes (HSV-1):

Since you have HSV-1 orally and your partner has HSV-1 genital, there's a chance of reinfecting each other or transmitting the virus to other areas of the body. However, this is relatively uncommon because both of you already have the same strain of the virus, just in different locations. The body’s immune response to the virus typically helps to reduce the likelihood of reinfection in the same area.

For example:

You can give your partner oral sex, but they are already infected with HSV-1 genitally. The risk of transmitting HSV-1 to their genital area from your mouth is low.
They can give you oral sex, but since you already have HSV-1 orally, you are unlikely to get reinfected or experience new outbreaks.

2. HSV-2 Genital and HSV-1 Genital:

Your HSV-2 genital and your partner’s HSV-1 genital can still interact, but in this case, your HSV-2 (which is typically more associated with genital outbreaks) might not increase the frequency or severity of their HSV-1 genital outbreaks. It’s also important to note that HSV-2 can cause more frequent outbreaks and be more easily transmitted compared to HSV-1 genital, but once both of you have the virus, your immune systems will have developed some level of defense.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Transmission Risk: You both still carry a risk of transmitting herpes to areas where you don’t have the virus (like their mouth or your eyes) through direct skin-to-skin contact, especially during outbreaks. So, avoid direct contact with active lesions (sores) and consider using antiviral medication to reduce viral shedding, which can happen even without visible sores.
Prevention: It's wise to use condoms or dental dams during sexual activity, even if you're both familiar with your herpes status, as these can still reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to areas that might not yet be infected.
Outbreaks: Try to avoid sexual activity (oral, vaginal, or anal) during active outbreaks. Even when not experiencing visible symptoms, HSV shedding (the release of the virus) can still occur.

Communication:

Since both of you have herpes, open communication is key. Discussing when either of you has an outbreak, or even just taking steps like using medication or avoiding risky activities during symptomatic periods, will help manage the situation and reduce anxiety.

In Summary:

In your case, the risk of new infections is relatively low because you both already have herpes, just in different locations. However, taking precautions—such as using antivirals, condoms, or dental dams, and avoiding direct contact during outbreaks—will help minimize any risk of transmission or reinfection. If either of you has concerns or if outbreaks become more frequent, it might be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider to discuss additional strategies for managing herpes.