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This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomonas, Warts, Yeast Infection
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Please note, this forum does not cover AIDS/HIV issues.
HSV1 oral sex/intercourse transmission risks
by empathy60, May 03, 2008 01:22AM
After being diagnosed with an STD, I've been trying to educate myself about other STD's due to my previous ignorance. I am just learning that HSV1 can actually afflict the genital region, which I never knew before, I thought all genital herpes were the result of HSV2. I have read that this is most commonly spread through oral sex, when a person with a cold sore performs oral sex on their partner.
However, I'm a little bit confused. I have had fever blisters/cold sores (HSV1) since childhood. I always just assumed everyone had HSV1. A few questions though:
Since I already have HSV1 will a partner with HSV1 who performs oral sex on me be able to transmit the infection to my genital area? Or is this not possible because I already have it (though I've never had genital symptoms)?
If I think I have a cold sore should I avoid performing oral sex on a partner or use a condom for fellatio?
Should I not let someone who says they have a cold sore perform oral sex on me?
Can HSV2 be transmitted through oral sex or is this rare?
How readily is genital HSV1 transmitted through protected sexual intercourse? Or HSV2 for that matter?
Sorry if these are blatantly obvious or stupid questions, I just need some clarity as I am confused.
However, I'm a little bit confused. I have had fever blisters/cold sores (HSV1) since childhood. I always just assumed everyone had HSV1. A few questions though:
Since I already have HSV1 will a partner with HSV1 who performs oral sex on me be able to transmit the infection to my genital area? Or is this not possible because I already have it (though I've never had genital symptoms)?
If I think I have a cold sore should I avoid performing oral sex on a partner or use a condom for fellatio?
Should I not let someone who says they have a cold sore perform oral sex on me?
Can HSV2 be transmitted through oral sex or is this rare?
How readily is genital HSV1 transmitted through protected sexual intercourse? Or HSV2 for that matter?
Sorry if these are blatantly obvious or stupid questions, I just need some clarity as I am confused.
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- your own hsv1 oral infection gives you significant protection against contracting hsv1 on other body parts. It can happen but it's unlikely to happen.
If I think I have a cold sore should I avoid performing oral sex on a partner or use a condom for fellatio?
-YES - avoid performing oral completely. you don't want to risk transmitting your own hsv1 to a partner's genital area as well as when you have an obvious cold sore present you don't want to risk it getting infected with bacteria from the genital area.
Should I not let someone who says they have a cold sore perform oral sex on me?
- see above
Can HSV2 be transmitted through oral sex or is this rare?
- It can be but it doesn't often get transmitted to the oral area. your hsv1 doesn't protect you significantly from hsv2 so knowing your partner's status is a good idea.
How readily is genital HSV1 transmitted through protected sexual intercourse? Or HSV2 for that matter?
- the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com has this information for you. it's free to read online or print out. It goes over all this as well as risk by gender :)
grace