oral risk

I both gave and received oral to another man 8-9 weeks ago. We both used condoms. I have had coldsores on my mouth off and on for the last 3-4 weeks. I have never had them this frequently before. I don't have any other std symptoms, but I'm worrying myself sick. Can these sores be a result om the oral?  What kind of risk am I at?

[LeapofFaith]

Cold sores are not considered an STD.  The virus that causes cold sores (Herpes Virus I, shortened to HSV-1) can be transmitted orally to the genitals, and thus cause Genital Herpes.  However, the fact that you are experiencing cold sores on your mouth as opposed to your genitals is a good sign.  Genital Herpes presents with genital symptoms, not oral.  You are simply experiencing a number of cold sore outbreaks.  There are a number of factors that could cause cold sore outbreaks: stress, cold weather, etc...  It's quite possible your anxiety over the encounter has brought on these cold sores.  

So to answer your question, these cold sores are NOT caused by the encounter.  If you've had cold sores before, you already have HSV-1.  You cannot be reinfected with HSV-1.  Also, the fact that both you and your partner used condoms was a wise choice.  Oral sex, to begin with, is low risk for transmitting Herpes.  The fact that you used the condom puts you at little to no risk.

If you are really worried, talk to your doctor.  You may want to seek anxiety counseling as well.  Also, if it will provide you with peace of mind, get a type specific IgG blood test done at week 12 or 16.

[maclm59]

No, it's not a good sign to have oral herpes. It is my understanding from a medical standpoint, it's more dangerous...esp if kissing a baby...can be very dangerous!


You can also transmit this to someones genitals via oral sex even between outbreaks.

It is NOT better to give than to receive!

[maclm59]

Hi...

To answer your question...Yes, these cold sores can be from receiving oral sex.

Best to get checked out by your doctor.

I got genital HSV1 from receiving oral sex from someone who had a cold sore.

[maclm59]

I mean Yes, these cold sores can be from GIVING oral sex!...SORRY!

There isn't an edit button here that I can see!...

[petal130]

Ed410, You already know you have oral herpes, you can't get infected twice. That being said, your partner, assuming he too doesn't have oral HSV1, would be the one at risk if you were performing oral sex on him. Having protected oral sex helps, but nonetheless you should refrain from kissing or oral sex when you are having an outbreak.  It's always best to know your STD/herpes status - and your partners - so if you want to know your HSV1/HSV2 status you can request an IgG type specific blood test.

maclm59, herpes is not "dangerous" as you stated. It is a mere skin condition. Most of the adult population has oral herpes, and it's safe to say they kiss their children. Of course one should refrain from doing so with active symptoms, but herpes does not make a person a leper. Those of us who got cold sores as kids, well that was no doubt from that big smooch from Auntie - but all it did was make for a cold sore, nothing dangerous.

When oral herpes is transmitted to another persons genitals via oral sex, well then yes indeed it would be considered an STD. It's the sexual act of oral sex that transmitted it. I have genital herpes; it may be HSV1 that I got from oral sex from my partner, but at the end of the day it's still genital herpes.