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Chances of contracting herpes Question

What are the statistical chances of a circumsized male contracting genital herpes from oral sex done by a woman with no visible sores or other symptoms?

You've said low chances, but what does that mean?

I found one tiny bump on my head, looked like a small red pimple.  no pain, no sore, no discomfort.  just a small slightly raised bump.  Dr. Rockoff thought it was just a clogged pore b/c it didn't change much, and in fact looked better after a shower, only to come back later in the day.  After a week and a half I ended up popping it, clear watery fluid and little blood seeped out.  it then healed and disappeared.  

another even smaller bump appeared after working out on the other side of my penis head.  again no pain, sores, etc.  

never had unprotected sex ever.  but have had oral sex unprotected from women.  

what are the chances this is herpes or anything STD related?




17 Responses
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This doesn't sound much like herpes to me.  Recurrent herpes lesions typically are in roughly the same location each time, but not at exactly the same spot.  It sounds to me like you had a pimple--so it sounds like Dr. Rockoff and I are in agreement.  No data are available to give numerical odds of getting herpes from a single oral sex encounter.  But in the absence off a visible outbreak in the woman you mention, the chance likely is less than winning the lottery.

Forget about this; I'm quite certain you don't have an STD of any kind.

Good luck--  HHH, MD
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A related discussion, HELP was started.
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I had anal with two girls that I don't now and really regretted it. The end of my penis was red and sore for a month. And there seem to be white stuff peeling of the end. I couldnt masturbate for a month aswel. Do you think Il have Anythin??
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A related discussion, May I have HIV? was started.
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A related discussion, hepres was started.
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A related discussion, what are the chances was started.
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an additional question. It seems from alot of websites out there, that transmission without any symptoms is definitely possible. However, after conversations with a couple physicians, they tend to say that you will "KNOW" when you have gotten herpes. (at least initial, or primary occurance)even if the outbreak is mild. Is this true?
2) I understand that asymptomatic viral shedding is possible, but again the likelihood of contracting herpes from oral in this case is very low correct? So essentially, the girl would have to have cold sores to contract herpes in this situation?
3) It is also my understanding that HSV-2 is a pretty uncommon occurance in the mouth? Is viral shedding of HSV-2 in the mouth also very low? Would cold sores need to be present in this case also?
thanks for the responses..
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Avatar universal
Hey doc,
Just a follow-up.

When you basically put to rest all my worries a few days ago, within a day, everything felt normal again, so I do attribute it to stress/anxiety.

However, yesterday I did notice a little something.  I have a few of those papule-like things, which I've been told are normal. I had noticed a new one while I was worrying last week, and looking very close.  Yesterday, it seemed to have a little scab/dry skin on it.  I assume it was just a papule type thing, and maybe it got chaffed, as the day before, my GF did give me quite a bit of hand stimulation.  Does this sound like something that should warrant any concern?    (I know I have little reason to worry, but technically both of our HSV1 status' are unknown, its just that we've never exhibited a cold sore)

I'm not SUPER concerned with it, but I did notice it, and figured I'd ask, though I know a diagnosis over the internet is basically impossible.

Thanks!
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I don't understand.  No sores or lesions, but "all other symtpoms"?  There are no other symptoms that are herpes marker; i.e., any other symptoms you might have could be due to all kinds of things other than herpes.  Sounds like you need to be tested, and not assume you are infected.

HHH, MD
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Avatar universal
I had a question for the doctor or anyone else too...I'm pretty much certain that I have genital herpes 2 although I don't have any sores or lesions yet, I've had basically all other symptoms in the last 3 weeks...my question is does Dr.H know about people with HSV 2 getting into a new relationship where the other person doesn't have HSV 2? I'm just wondering what the chances are that someone who doesn't have it is willing to risk being in a relationship where they might contract it. Can anyone else help me with this great worrisome question as well...Thank You
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You're right, I thought you were talking about yourself.  Sorry.

If neither you nor your partner has had known oral or genital herpes, don't worry about it; herpes concerns shouldn't be a consideration in what sexual practices you do together.

Regards-- HHH, MD
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You're welcome.  That's the idea; I'm glad the forum is working as intended.

HHH, MD
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Avatar universal
I guess this isnt a new question, since its very close to this guy's question.  Also, I've tried posting for about a week now, and always get locked out, since I cant post at work, and it seems to be too late when I get home.. anyway...

My girlfriend is a virgin, and I have only had 1 partner and know I have no STDs, having been tested, so it seems like we don't really have to have STD worries. BUT, I know its common for people to have hsv 1 and get an occasional cold sore, which can be passed on to the genitals through oral sex. I talked to my GF about this, and she said she's never had a cold sore. I haven't either. But, technically, its still possible to have hsv 1 and never get a cold sore right?

She recently gave me oral sex. She had no cold sores. I don't want to be a hypochondriac, but technically there was a chance of a transmission, right? She's a virgin, and has never had a cold sore. She did have a cut on her tongue, but hsv has nothing to do with blood, right?

With my last partner, after oral sex, after reading online, I got all nervous, and then noticed some tingling, and it felt kind of cold.  Then, as soon as I was tested negative, I felt totally normal again, so I think it was just nerves.  I'm kind of feeling that again, and I think its just nerves.  Its like I worry first, THEN feel something.  That is very possible,  right?

Thanks, and I apologize if this counts as a new question.
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm confused; you say you get an occasional cold sore then you say you haven't.  I'm going to assume you are infected with HSV-1, and that you have oral herpes.  (But I'm not certain.)

Yes, it is possible to have HSV-1 and never have symptomatic oral herpes (cold sores).  But the chance you'll get genital herpes from her performing fellatio on you is low; and if it happens, remember that genital herpes due to HSV-1 doesn't cause frequent recurrences.  (I'm not going to explain further; read many herpes-related questions and responses on this forum for more information; or see the herpes article under STD Quick Facts and Articles at the top of the forum.

The symptoms you describe doesn't sound at all like herpes.  I agree it sounds most like anxiety.

Good luck-- HHH, MD
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Avatar universal
Thanks Doctor.

Actually, I never have gotten a cold sore.  I don't think I said that I have in my post. I did mention that I know its common for people in general to have hsv-1, which just means they may get an occasional cold sore. Perhaps you thought I meant myself there.  Both my GF and I have never had a cold sore, to our recollection.

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Avatar universal
Doctor,

I would just like to offer you a very special thank you for all your contributions to this forum.  You should be highly commended as someone who is making a positive difference in many of our lives.  Reading all the responses help clarify what seem to be very embarassing, confusing and otherwise frightening topics.

thank you.







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