Can you get herpes from oral sex?
Herpes simplex virus actually comes in two flavors: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is associated more with oral herpes, which can cause “cold sores,” a type of blister that appears on the lips or face. HSV-2 is associated more with genital herpes, which can cause blisters and other lesions in the genital area. It used to be standard to describe HSV-1 as an “above-the-waist” infection and HSV-2 as a “below-the-belt” infection.
Can herpes HSV1 be transmitted through oral sex?
Because HSV-1, the virus responsible for most oral herpes infections, can also cause genital herpes, many people wonder if someone with cold sores can transmit the virus to someone else by performing oral sex, resulting in a genital herpes infection. Other people wonder if HSV-1 can be transmitted via oral contact with the anus, resulting in a herpes infection in the rectal area. The answer to these questions is: Yes!
While HSV-1 only accounts for around 30 percent of genital herpes infections overall, many research teams are finding that HSV-1 is the predominant cause of genital herpes in U.S. especially of younger females. This might sound like terrible news, since most of us are infected with HSV-1 and we might enjoy oral sex.
Can herpes HSV2 be transmitted through oral sex?
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) is spread by skin-to-skin contact and can be transmitted even when the herpes lesions are not visible on the skin. Although HSV2 is rarely contracted through oral sex, transmission is possible in some cases. People with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.
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I have herpes, and my partner wants to give me oral sex
It’s possible that you may spread herpes to your partner. If you have hsv2, HSV2, even thought it is primarily spread from genital-to-genital contact, but it can also be spread orally. HSV1 can be spread through oral sex. It accounts for around 30 percent of genital herpes infections overall.
You can spread genital herpes during oral sex even if you aren’t showing any herpes symptoms at the time. But herpes is most contagious during an outbreak, when sores are open, moist, or leaking fluid.
If you want to reduce the risk, a dental dam or Sheer Glyde dam might be your best bet. A dental dam is a piece of plastic that can be stretched over your genitals during oral sex to act as a barrier between you and your partner. It’s also a good idea to avoid any kind of sexual contact during an outbreak, and for seven days after the sores heal. You can also ask your doctor or nurse about using herpes treatments to further reduce the risk of spreading herpes to your partner.
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PositiveSingles is one of the most popular dating websites for people suffering from herpes and other STD. It was initiated in 2001. With 1,510,800+ members you are sure to find lots of potentail people around you.
Join and meet nearby people with herpes, browse profiles and chat now!