Warts and STD/Oral sex question

[dakota2006]

Hi. My first question is that I had coldsores when I was little, and have not had an outbreak in years. I have been kissing my boyfriend for two months but am worried about engaging in oral sex because I do not want to transmit the virus to him. Is it possible for the Herpes Simplex virus to create warts or a STD if engaging in oral sex?

Question two: I am also curious in general as to what STI's can be transmitted through oral sex. I am a virgin and have never engaged in oral sex. my boyfriend has has sex (unprotected one time with one of them) with two girls previously and has engaged in oral sex (unprotected) with both of them as well. He has no outward symptoms but is also opposed to testing. What should I do, and what STIs can be transmitted through this activity? Is there something I can wear to limit my risk in receiving oral?
Thanks.

[auntiejessi]

Without a test, he can't know for sure if he has hsv1.  Only 20-40% of those who have hsv1 ever get a cold sore - there are millions and millions of people who have hsv1 without symptoms.  IF he truly doesn't have hsv1, there is a chance that you could give him genital hsv1 from oral sex, but no one really knows an actual number for that.  We do know that genital hsv1 accounts for 30-50% of all new genital herpes infections, but since most don't know that cold sores = herpes, and that it can be transmitted during oral sex, we don't know how many of those are with someone who has an active cold sore or not.  Its far more likely to transmit with a cold sore present.

About 50% of men will experience NO symptoms from chlamydia, and probably 20% of men will experience NO symptoms of gonorrhea.

Given that there are about 2.8 million new chlamydia infections each year, and the majority of those infections are in those under 25, he needs to test.  Not having symptoms isn't a good reason to not test.

Aj

[dakota2006]

He has never had a coldsore or a Herpes test. Since he does not have SV 1 what does this mean? He is opposed to testing in all senses because he says he knows when he last had sex, knows he doesn't have symptoms, etc. I have tried to tell him not all sti's have symptoms but we are currently at an impasse. He is fully aware there will be no increase in any sort of sexual activity other than what we are currently doing unless testing occurs.
Thank you for your commenting!

[auntiejessi]

HSV won't ever turn into warts - warts are caused by the human papiloma virus, or HPV.  You can give him genital hsv1 by giving him oral sex, but do you know if he's ever had a cold sore or had a herpes test?  If he has type 1 as well, I would just avoid giving him oral sex if/when you have an actual cold sore.

I would be hesitant to have sex with anyone who is opposed to testing.  If he cares about you, he wouldn't want to take the chance of giving you anything, and should test.  I personally have my partners test, and test myself.  Its the responsible, caring thing to do.

If you give oral, you can get oral gonorrhea and syphilis.  Its not terribly likely that you'd get either, but its possible.

If you get oral, you can get genital herpes type 1 (unlikely since you already have hsv1), gonorrhea and syphilis.  Again, its not all that likely, but it is certainly possible.

There are things called dental dams, which is a square piece of latex that you place over the vagina for oral sex.  That can help prevent stds.

I think its fabulous that you are asking and getting yourself informed before having sex.  That shows maturity and smarts.  :)  If you are at all hesitant to be with your bf sexually, then don't.  One lesson you can't be too young to learn is to hold true to yourself.  If it doesn't feel right, it isn't right.  If he won't test, it isn't right.

For more info on stds, see www.ashastd.org, and let us know if you have any questions.  

Aj