Chance of contracting herpes from oral sex

what's the statistical chance of contracting herpes from oral sex the first time? i had oral sex with a woman about three weeks ago (both giving and receiving). she did not appear to have any symptoms or lesions on her. now I found tiny bumps on my penis head, no pain or sores. should i be worried that i might have contracted herpes? how accurate is blood test three weeks from exposure?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Have you ever in your life had a cold sore on your lip?  If yes, then it would be highly unusual for someone to contract the same type (HSV 1) of herpes in a new place after having an established infection.  Next, I don't think you would describe first episode herpes as tiny bumps on the head of your penis.  First, herpes most often comes on the shaft of the penis, the first time, not on the head alone.  And when you say bumps, are you certain these bumps weren't there before, but you are just noticing them because your are watching for any unusual symptoms?  Also, symptoms of new herpes most often show up within 2 to 10 days after possible exposure.  You are three weeks out.  If I were you, I would have no worries about this exposure.  There is a risk, under other circumstances, of contracting genital herpes (HSV 1) from receiving oral sex from someone with current or a history of cold sores.  Your circumstances (your symptoms, the timing, being the first time you've received oral sex) don't seem to me, to present this risk.  And I wouldn't suggest testing for you, really. There are a few false positives on this test, and I would hate for you to freak out!

Terri

[eee714]

Hi Terri,

thanks for responding to my question. does this mean the chance of contracting herpes from giving and receiving oral sex the first time is very low? if the symptoms i described don't look like herpes, does this mean i don't have it? i thought some people can have herpes without having symptoms at all.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

It is very low, for all the reasons that I stated.  Clearly it isn't zero, but very low.  Yes, people can have herpes for years without symptoms, but you circumstances just suggest the risk would be very low.  
You didn't answer my question about the cold sore history - have you ever had one on your lip?
Terri

[eee714]

i can't recall having cold sore on my lip before. is it usually on lower lip?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

It could be either upper or lower lip.

Terri

[eee714]

Hi Terri,

I have noticed bumps on the back of my tongue the past few days. i don't know if it's related to herpes or something else. i have heard that the bumps could be caused by allergy as well, since i have also experienced dry mouth, sore and watery eyes,  and swollen sinus recently. i have not had any sores or blisters on my genital area or elsewhere.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Those are very likely taste buds and no worry.  

Terri