If I had hsv2 already, can I still get hsv1 genitally?

Sexual health
1

Hi there

I had been diagnosed with HSV 2 last year

I haven't experienced any outbreak yet

I wonder if I can get genital hsv1 when I received oral sex with someone who have cold sore ? As I am already have HSV 2 genitally.

2

Yes you can get hsv1 genitally as well

3

No, you should not. Established HSV2 (after 4 months) typically affords protection against HSV1, but not the other way around.

4

I have read that yes, you can. I would ask your doctor.

5

According to HSV expert Terri Warren, who I would trust over any GP, "The odds of contracting HSV 1 after HSV 2 are about 1 in 55,000", and that's apparently based on a study. So, not impossible, but not overly common, hence why I said *should* protect. However, I would still avoid direct contact with someone's HSV1 outbreak, as it's best not to take the risk, if possible.