Oral To Genital

I am recently divorced and I am learning all new things about STD's.   I get "cold sores" on a regular basis usually brought on by stress.   I have been dating the same bf for about 18  months however we broke up for a few months.   I was not with anyone else.

I have three kids and I am sure during the pregnancies I was tested for the Herpes virus.  My kids also get "cold sores" all of the time mianly from being out in the sun.  I also get regular check up's and blood work.  My question is if I had a "cold sore" almost healed and I had oral sex with my boyfriend could he contract herpes?  and if so could he give it back to me through intercourse? I have symptoms of a yeast infection but I stared reading about genital herpes and it made me concerned.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Herpes virus infections are very common, both as oral herpes (cold sores) which are present in more than half of Americans and as genital herpes which is usually caused by herpes type-2 (HSV-2) but can be caused by herpes type-1 as well.  Persons with oral herpes can transmit their infection to partners during oral sex, giving them genital herpes due to the herpes type-1 virus.  If you have sex with someone with genital herpes, whether or not it is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-1, you can acquire that infection.  
EWH
p.s.  While it is typical for doctors to test women for syphilis, gonorrrhea and chlamydia during pregnancy, it is uncommon for them to test for herpes.  If you have sores in the genital area, I would suggest you ask your health care provider to test you.

[slacker101]

Wait till the sores are all gone before doing oral sex and you can not give it back to yourself.

[happyharry]

The answers are yes and yes, though not likely. Type I is most adapted to life around the mouth, and type II in the genital area with both of the types having their own preferred nerve clusters they reside in.

Type I can be transmitted to the genital area through oral (more likely) or indirect transmission (hands) which is much less likely. You can transmit the virus to another part of your body, but it is much harder to do so since you have antibodies to it in your system. The same goes for him giving it back to you. This doesn't rule out also having a type II break out. Either one of you could have the virus and not know it. Most doctors will only screen for it if asked. Around 10% do as a regular std check.

[gracefromHHP]

Chances are good that you have never been tested for herpes before in your lifetime. As Dr Hook said it's not a part of routine std testing during pregnancy at most places.  From the sounds of things though you and your children all have hsv1 orally as do the majority of folks out there once you get out of your 20's.  It's incredibly common.

When you have a new partner - talk to them about your own oral herpes. Ask them if they'd be willing to get tested for herpes to see what their status is. If they have hsv1 themselves, whether they can recall ever having an obvious cold sore ever or not - just use common sense - avoid performing oral sex on them until a cold sore is completely healed. It will go a long way. If they don't have hsv1 - then also avoid kissing them until your cold sore is healed too.    Also talk to them to see if they think barrier protection for oral sex is in order or not.  If they have hsv2 - then you two will need to discuss what precautions are needed to protect you from that.  Most folks who have either oral or genital herpes don't realize they are infected so testing can help you figure out who has what.  Also don't forget that herpes isn't the only std out there to be thinking about!

Definitely follow up with your doctor to find out what is going on down yonder.  Women only accurately diagnose yeast infections properly about a 1/3 of the time. With odds like that - it's best to leave it to the professionals to do a little simple testing of your vaginal secretions to see if it's yeast or something bacterial that needs treated. Sure beats self treating for the wrong thing and prolonging how long it takes until you are properly diagnosed!!  Even if you did transmit hsv1 to your partner's genital area thru oral sex - it's not likely that they will transmit it back to you so this isn't likely to be due to hsv1.  

grace

[gracefromHHP]

Oh and welcome to medhelp :)  Glad to see someone else with lots of experience around here - this board has kept HHH very, very busy over the last several years!!!

grace

[monkeyflower]

I'll second Grace's welcome. It's great to have you here!

And I'm delighted to see Dr. Handsfield is staying :-)

[confused123775]

Thank you for the info.   I did not even know that I had type one.   I have had it for ever.   I am 44 and was married for 20 years.   I have had very limited sexual experience and limited partners.  It seems that guys my age or older don't seem to think they need to use condoms.   I have never used a condom with my current BF of 18 months.  I have kissed him before when I had a "cold sore" in my mouth I told him about it but he did not care.   He was married for 16 years so maybe he is not informed either.  I have never had a problem until now.   However there are no visible sores I am just tender b/c we had a lot of sex last weekend.   We just got back together after a 2 month break up and I had not had sex since then until last weekend.   I am going out of town until Sunday.   If I am still tender I'll call the doctor and set an appointment.  I will also discuss this with my BF when I get back.  Wow what a wake up call.   I am still scared and nervous.