Herpes oral sex transmition risk

I recently gave my boyfriend oral sex. A day or so later I noticed a cold sore inside my mouth, which makes me wonder if I might have given him herpes since I know I have HSV-1.  It's been about a week and he hasn't exhibited any symptoms and I'm not sure whether or not he already has oral herpes.  At what point, if ever, is it safe to assume he didn't catch anything?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your oral symptom probably wasn't due to herpes.  Cold sores do not occur inside the mouth.  You more likely had a canker sore, which isn't caused by herpes.  You might still have oral HSV-1 infection, since it is so common.  But if sores in the mouth are all you have had, you need a blood test to know for sure whether or not you have HSV-1.  Anyway, most likely your boyfriend is home free, at least for now.

bood luck-- HHH, MD

[TallGuy]

if he already had HSV-1, he is safe.  If not, there is a chance he will catch it genitally.  I believe, in most cases, you have up to 21 days to see if anything happens.

[kelsey729\]

Wow. I definitely did not know that cold sores do not occur inside the mouth. That actually is a huge relief. Thanks so much!