Chances of spreading Oral Herpes to Partner during Oral Sex?

[laniw]

I have had coldsores my entire life. I recently had a cold sore (about a week ago) and it had healed to the point where it had crusted and fallen off and recrusted.  I believed this meant it was  no longer contagious and I performed  unprotected oral sex on my boyfriend. I am just wondering how likely it is I can spread HSV-1 (Cold sores) to his genitals. I am really worried as I would feel awful about that...  

[laniw]

Thanks so much for your answers!

[gracefromHHP]

you won't transmit your oral herpes to your genital area. no worries there!

[laniw]

I think that is a def good idea! Also do you know how likely it is to spread herpes to my own genitals? Or is it not likely because I have had hsv-1 practically my entire life.

[gracefromHHP]

most people who have hsv1, don't get obvious cold sores to know it. it's well worth his getting tested to know his status so that you know how much you need to worry or not with oral sex.

[laniw]

I have had the blood test and tested positive for HSV-1 and negative for HSV-2

[laniw]

I don't know for sure he has ever been tested for herpes only other stds. He did say though that he has never had a coldsore or any genital herpes before. Only cankersores inside his mouth.

[gracefromHHP]

has your partner been tested to know his own status? you can't make educated decisions about what precautions to take until you know who has what.

the risk of transmitting hsv1 to the genital area after the scab has fallen off is very low risk in general.

grace

[laniw]

Thanks for your response!! I'm hoping that it doesn't spread. I also stupidly kissed my daughter. After having coldsores for so long you would think I knew better!! :(

[Mistakeguy789]

It is a low risk for oral sex.  There is some concern because the skin wasn't fully healed and could have led to transmission.  The only way to know at this point is wait if he gets symptoms have him be seen within 24-48hrs for a lesion culture.  In the future perform oral sex only when the skin is fully healed (no scab or crusting).