Aa
Is Herpes (HSV2) transmissible during anilingus?
My girlfriend and I are in a committed and sexually active relationship. She has HSV2 and while me getting it wouldn’t be the end of the world or our relationship we never have unprotected sex as a precaution. She used to love cunilingus before infection and while I know about the use of dental dams (something we will by trying shortly) I was wondering about the likelihood of HSV2 being transmitted during anilingus. From what information I have seen it doesn’t look like it would as the viral shedding is localized to vagina and even then from what I read HSV2 has a harder time establishing itself in the oral cavity.
Is there anything I am misinformed about or uninformed about? Are there other techniques that I am unaware of that would be better suited to my situation?
Honestly my “best case scenario” thought was of a topical liquid or something that could be applied beforehand that would neutralize any viral shedding but from my own research it doesn’t look like such a product exists currently.
Any information that you think might help me would be greatly appreciated, I just know that there are parts of sex that we both but she specifically misses since she was diagnosed.
Is there anything I am misinformed about or uninformed about? Are there other techniques that I am unaware of that would be better suited to my situation?
Honestly my “best case scenario” thought was of a topical liquid or something that could be applied beforehand that would neutralize any viral shedding but from my own research it doesn’t look like such a product exists currently.
Any information that you think might help me would be greatly appreciated, I just know that there are parts of sex that we both but she specifically misses since she was diagnosed.
The virus sheds from the mucous membranes of the genital track and anus. So, there is shedding from the anus. If she takes daily antivirals for suppression, the shedding is reduced. There isn’t anything topical, unfortunately, to protect transmission but genital to oral transmission risk is low. I guess it all depends on your level of comfort.
2 Comments
A had also read that viral shedding is actually a somewhat rare event wit it occurring as infrequently as once every ten days or something along those lines - does this check out or is it misinformation passed off as sacrosanct?
With HSV2, I think it’s 20-25% of days. Honestly, I have no idea how in-depth any of the research has been into it. People shed and have no idea it’s happenjng. It’s a bit of a crap shoot but if your not worried about it, honestly, HSV2 oral is said to shed only around 1-3% of days. So in that case, I wouldn’t worry about getting HSV2 orally. If this is someone you see moving forward with and committing yourself to, I say go down. Keep up the condoms and antiviral meds on her part but if you aren’t that worried, then why live life in fear? Enjoy each other. We could die tomorrow...you know the risks.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
