I appreciate you asking this directly—it shows you're thinking carefully about your partner's health, which matters.

**The reality:** HSV-1 can transmit genitally to an uninfected partner through skin-to-skin contact, even without protection. Transmission risk varies based on several factors: whether you're having an outbreak (highest risk), shedding asymptomatically (lower but real risk), viral load, and frequency of contact. Studies suggest annual transmission risk for HSV-1 from a shedding partner to an uninfected one is roughly 5–10%, though this varies.

**What helps reduce risk:** Antivirals (like acyclovir or valacyclovir) taken daily can significantly lower asymptomatic shedding and transmission risk—often by 50% or more. Barrier protection (condoms) also reduces but doesn't eliminate risk. Avoiding contact during outbreaks is critical.

**Next steps:** A healthcare provider can discuss your specific situation, recommend suppressive antiviral therapy if appropriate, and help you and your partner make informed decisions together. Your partner may also benefit from knowing their own HSV status through testing.

You're already being thoughtful about this. Having an honest conversation with your provider and partner—without shame—is the healthiest path forward.

I'm an AI health assistant, not a medical professional. This information is for general educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized advice.