Unsure of Herpes risk?

[SeriousMick]

Hi, I am Male and recently received unprotected Oral Sex from a Female Sex Worker in the UK. I know that the risk involved in this sexual activity is very low, however, I am very anxious by what she had to say. Aparently she suffers from Mouth Ulcers/Canker Sores, which I know that unlike Cold Sores/Herpes are not contagious.

She mentioned that certain Acidic foods cause the Canker Sores, and when I went to kiss her on the lips she said not to because the PH imbalance could cause them. What I did find strange is that she still continued to give me unprotected Oral, and even let me ejaculate in her mouth. When I queried why this wasn't an issue she said that it just wasn't.

Looking back now I worry that maybe she was trying to hide something. I didn't notice any signs of Cold Sore/Herpes lesions on her face (even though the room was quite dark). Could she have been shedding Oral Herpes HSV-1 or 2? or is what she says about Mouth Ulcers/Canker Sores consistent with sufferers? Also, I have never had a Cold Sore in my life, but I know this doesn't mean that I don't carry HSV-1, is that assumption correct?

What sort of risk was involved with my encounter?

After only a few days I have no symptoms yet!

Thank you.

[auntiejessi]

She seems to know what she is talking about with the canker sores, so I wouldn't over worry about it.

The only thing I might watch for is any discharge or pain or burning.  Normal mouth bacteria can enter your urethra and cause an infection, and if she had other bacteria in her mouth, that might get in your urethra as well.

If you don't get any symptoms in a week or so, I wouldn't worry.  If you do, just ask your doc to do a urine test and look for white blood cells.

AJ

[SeriousMick]

Thank you AJ. This forum is great!

So as long as she didn't display any obvious Oral Lesions there should be no problems with regards to Herpes? Herpes being my biggest concern.

[auntiejessi]

The chances of you getting herpes from her performing oral if she didn't have any herpes sores are slim, and I wouldn't worry unless you saw some obvious symptoms.  (I say obvious because there is no reason to do anymore than one crotch watch a day, if that.)

AJ

[SeriousMick]

Sorry, one last thing. Last night I developed a really sore throat. I didn't manage to get any sleep as I was worried this may be a sign of Herpes. I still have this sore throat this morning, and obviously I feel terrible because of the lack of sleep, which is now giving me anxiety because the lack of sleep is giving me some of the of the primary infection symptoms of Herpes.  Is this more than likely just the start of a common cold? I haven't been in close proximity to anyone else since my encounter to really catch a cold.

I really think I am making too much of this whole issue!

Thank you.

[auntiejessi]

I think it could be allergies, dry air, a cold, etc.

I agree that you are really making too much of this lol.

Try and relax, ok?  

Aj

[lonevisitor]

Oral to genital HSV-1 transmission is rare.  Researchers estimate that only 1 in 10 HSV genital infections is HSV-1.  Transmission is possible though even if the female didn't have any outward symptoms because the virus can still be shedding.

The good news is that approximately 70% of people in their mid 20's are estimated to already have HSV-1 and many have no idea becuase symptoms only present in a very small segment of the population.  If you already have oral HSV-1 which you might and not even know it then you body has produced antibodies against the virus already making genital trasmission exceptionally rare and difficult.

If, for peace of mind, you want to get tested then go get the Herpeselect blood test.  Unfortunately, this will only tell you if you have HSV-1 or HSV-2 and not the infected location.  The only way that can be identified is by doing swabs of a suspect location expressing symptoms.

[auntiejessi]

Actually, hsv1 accounts for 30% of all new genital herpes infections.  That said, without a cold sore, its not easy to transmit herpes.  

If someone already has hsv1, then getting it genitally after an established oral infection is rare.  

The only way to know if you have hsv1 is a type specific IgG blood test.

Aj