How To Get Herpes From Oral

Case #1 A Person Who Didnt Know They Had It Passed It To Their Partner

A 25-year-old woman named Julia came to the office with a genital skin rash that she had never had before. A herpes swab test came back positive for herpes .

She confronted her boyfriend, Tony, whom sheâd been dating for nine months.

Tony is a young professional who denied having sex outside of his current relationship with Julia. He also said the following:

• Heâs been fully tested for STDs after each relationship ended .
• He hasnât ever had herpes symptoms.

We gave Tony the HSV-2 test , and it came back positive for herpes.

Julia got herpes from Tony. Though heâd never had any symptoms, he shed the virus silently.

Dr. Fâs Explanation

• Itâs very common for people to have herpes and not know about it. Only 20% of herpes-positive people have symptoms. Most people are asymptomatic for life.
• You donât need to have a herpes outbreak to pass the infection. It can be passed through silent herpes shedding. This means that James could have passed it to Julia without having symptoms.
• When people get âfully testedâ for STDs, the testing might not include a herpes test. The CDC doesnât recommend routine herpes testing. And Jamesâs past test results didnât show that herpes testing was performed.

Can You Get Herpes From Oral Sex

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The herpes simplex virus is one of the worlds most common viruses, affecting more than half of all people aged 14 to 49 and around 11% of people worldwide . Herpes can affect the lips, face and mouth or the genitals, upper legs and buttocks . Most of the time, oral herpes is caused by the HSV-1 type of the virus, with the majority of genital herpes cases caused by the HSV-2 strain of the herpes virus.However, this isnt always the case. HSV-1, which is the most common form of herpes and the form of the virus most commonly spread through oral-to-oral contact like kissing, can spread to the genitals through oral sex. In short, you can get herpes from oral sex, particularly if the person giving oral sex has an active outbreak of oral herpes.

Below, well explain how oral-to-genital herpes transmission occurs. Well also cover the key risk factors you should be aware of, as well as the best ways to reduce your risk of catching genital herpes through sexual contact.

Triggers For Cold Sores

In some people the HSV infection causes cold sores, which erupt following a trigger event such as a cold. This explains the term cold sore. Other triggers that may cause an attack of cold sores include:

• feverish illnesses, like influenza, or chest infections
• hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period
• emotional or physical stress.

It is important to remember that cold sores are a symptom of ongoing infection rather than a new infection. The sores usually recur in the same place.

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Case #2 I Have A Herpes Outbreak And I Blamed My Partner But Hes Negative

Twenty-year-old Anna came to the office with a painful genital outbreak. A swab test confirmed the diagnosis of herpes type 2 .

Anna had just come out of a long-term relationship when she began dating Thomas. She and Thomas have been together for more than six months. She suspected that she must have gotten it from Thomas.

We tested Thomas with blood work and his results came back negative for both herpes types. Thomas began to suspect Anna of cheating on him.

Anna explained the following to us:

• She has been in only two long-term relationships
• She has always gotten a full STD panel before beginning and after ending relationships
• She has never before had symptoms like this

We tested her previous long-term partner, who turned out to be positive but had never had symptoms

Anna got herpes from the previous partner but is just now having her first outbreak.

Dr. Fâs Explanation

I trusted Anna and believed she was telling the truth.

• A âfull STD panelâ doesnât always include a herpes test, but she didnât know that
• She acquired a herpes infection from her previous long-term partner and it was kept suppressed by Annaâs strong, healthy immune system. Now something has gone wrong , leading to an outbreak

What May Increase The Chances Of Giving Or Getting An Std Through Oral Sex

Certain factors may increase a persons chances of getting HIV or other STDs during oral sex if exposed to an infected partner. Factors like:

• Poor oral health, which can include tooth decay, gum disease or bleeding gums, and oral cancer.
• Sores in the mouth or on the genitals.
• Exposure to the pre-cum or cum .

However, there are no scientific studies that show whether these factors increase the risk of getting HIV or STDs from oral sex.

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How To Tell If Someone Has Herpes

Its not always obvious whether someone has genital herpes or not. Some people may have no symptoms and therefore may not even know that they are carriers of HSV 1 or HSV 2.

The symptoms of genital herpes in women do not markedly differ compared to those in men.

If you know that you have herpes, you must tell your sexual partner and take necessary precautions to avoid spreading herpes.

What Happens During A Herpes Test

If you have blisters or sores, your doctor or nurse will gently take a sample of fluid from the sores with a swab and test it.

If you dont have any sores, talk with your doctor or nurse about whether a blood test for herpes makes sense for you. But herpes tests aren’t normally recommended unless you do have symptoms.

The idea of getting tested may seem scary, but try to chill out. STD testing is a regular part of being a responsible adult and taking care of your health. And herpes tests are quick and usually painless.

Also Check: Can You Spread Herpes Without An Outbreak

How Does Genital Herpes Affect A Pregnant Woman And Her Baby

Neonatal herpes is one of the most serious complications of genital herpes.5,16 Healthcare providers should ask all pregnant women if they have a history of genital herpes.11 Herpes infection can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, or babies may be infected shortly after birth, resulting in a potentially fatal neonatal herpes infection. 17 Infants born to women who acquire genital herpes close to the time of delivery and are shedding virus at delivery are at a much higher risk for developing neonatal herpes, compared with women who have recurrent genital herpes . 16,18-20 Thus, it is important that women avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy. Women should be counseled to abstain from intercourse during the third trimester with partners known to have or suspected of having genital herpes. 5,11

Tingling Or Pain Before Blisters Form

If you know youve been exposed to herpes, you may want to watch for prodromal symptoms. About 50% of people will have symptoms such as itching, tingling, or pain on genital skin before blisters or sores appear, said Dr. Shim. Usually youll experience an outbreak later, but its possible to have this tingling or itching and have no sores emerge.

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Why Genital Herpes Comes Back

Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex. Once you have the virus, it stays in your body.

It will not spread in your body to cause blisters elsewhere. It stays in a nearby nerve and causes blisters in the same area.

If you can, avoid things that trigger your symptoms.

Triggers can include:

• surgery on your genital area
• a weakened immune system for example, from having chemotherapy for cancer

Best Affordable Herpes Test: Healthlabs

HealthLabs offers laboratory-based herpes tests. These may be the best option for people who do not have health insurance and those working with small budgets.

After placing an order, the person receives a laboratory requisition form, which they need to print out and present at a laboratory. The company claims it has 4,500 laboratory locations, and individuals should receive their test results within 23 business days.

HealthLabs has three herpes tests available for purchase:

• a test for HSV-1, which costs $45
• a test for HSV-2, which costs $45
• a test for HSV-1 and HSV-2, which costs $79

People may also order at-home tests for other STIs, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV.

To order either herpes test, a person must access the company website and enter their ZIP code to find their nearest testing center.

The company claims it has over 4,000 private test centers across the United States.

After ordering the herpes test, a person can walk into their local center to receive the testing. An appointment is not necessary.

The test procedure involves a simple blood test and urine sample, which typically takes a matter of minutes. A person can expect to receive their online test results within 13 days.

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What Happens If I Dont Receive Treatment

Genital herpes can cause painful genital sores and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems.

If you touch your sores or fluids from the sores, you may transfer herpes to another body part like your eyes. Do not touch the sores or fluids to avoid spreading herpes to another part of your body. If you do touch the sores or fluids, quickly wash your hands thoroughly to help avoid spreading the infection.

If you are pregnant, there can be problems for you and your unborn fetus, or newborn baby. See Im pregnant. How could genital herpes affect my baby? for information about this.

Medical Treatment For Oral Herpes

Oral herpes symptoms may resolve without treatment within one to two weeks.

If needed, your healthcare provider will prescribe certain antiviral medications to treat your condition. These medications help with any pain you may be experiencing as well as alleviate symptoms more quickly.

Medications that are used to treat HSV-1 include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, which are most effective if taken when initial warning signs of an incoming flare-up appear and before blisters develop.

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Is It Possible To Get Genital Herpes From Oral Herpes

While herpes infections are so incredibly common, there still seem to be lots of misconceptions about them.

There are two types of herpes viruses HSV-1 that can cause oral herpes and HSV-2 that is sexually transmitted and causing genital herpes. While the two viruses are related, theyre different from each other.

Genital herpes affects an estimated 491 million people across the world or approximately 13 percent of the global population aged 15 to 49, the World Health Organization reports. Its a sneaky kind of STD. Genital herpes infections are often free of symptoms but the virus can still be passed to another person. And since an individual isnt experiencing any kind of discomfort, the likelihood of them getting tested goes down.

The manner in which HSV-2 passes from one person to another is fairly easy to understand. Still, some people have questions about it. Is it possible to get genital herpes through exposure to HSV-1 through activities like kissing, for example? Lets check the science that will give an answer to the question.

How Can I Prevent Spreading Herpes To My Kids

Learning how to reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes by taking medicines, always using a condom during sex, and avoiding sex during outbreaks. talking to partners about the possibility of having sex with someone who is infected with HSV-2. If you or someone you know is at risk for herpes, talk to your health care provider.

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Oral Sex And Herpes: A Triple Header

Dear Alice,

An incredible woman, who Ive been seeing for a few weeks, has just informed me she has genital herpes. I really like her and am going to continue seeing her. Although it is not an issue right now, as we get closer and more intimate I am concerned about our sexual relations. I know that wearing a condom will prevent the transmission of herpes, but how can I prevent the transmission if I perform oral sex on her? I enjoy giving oral sex and would like to know how I can do this with her. Please help.

Thanks,Need Info

Dear Alice,

My partner and I are desperately seeking information regarding safe sex and herpes. HELP!!! First, we want to know if oral sex is a possibility. Second, can we rub up against each other when no sores are present???

Signed,Desperate

Dear Alice,

My boyfriend has genital herpes â I do not. We are currently practicing safe sex, but would like to know what risks are involved in having sex without a condom when no episode is present, and if oral sex without a condom is a possibility and what the risks are. Please help us!

Signed,

Dear Need Info, Desperate, and Safe, but curious,

Originally published

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How To Protect Yourself From Herpes

Protecting yourself against a herpes infection is incredibly difficult because many people dont show any symptoms. You may be a carrier yourself but never experience a single outbreak. Whilst avoiding all sexual contact is not an option for most people, there are several things you could do to minimize your risk of contracting genital herpes.

Some studies have shown that antiviral drugs such as valaciclovir can lower the risk of transmission when taken daily. But antivirals are not a replacement for practicing safe sex.

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How Do You Get Oral Herpes

There is no cure for herpes.

• The health care provider may prescribe antiviral medicine to help speed up the healing process. It also shortens the time when the virus can spread from the herpes sores.
• Pain may be treated with medicine such as Tylenol or Motrin or by applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the affected area.
• If sores are in the mouth, avoid foods high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices.
• The infected area should be kept clean and dry.
• Wash hands often and avoid touching the sores to prevent spreading the virus.
• It is important to stay healthy by getting enough rest, having proper nutrition and exercise and managing stress well.

Is There A Cure Or Treatment For Herpes

There is no cure for herpes. Antiviral medications can, however, prevent or shorten outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.11 In addition, daily suppressive therapy for herpes can reduce the likelihood of transmission to partners.11

There is currently no commercially available vaccine that is protective against genital herpes infection. Candidate vaccines are in clinical trials.

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Treatment And Management Of Oral Hsv

Although oral herpes is an incurable, lifelong disease, it can be managed. Treatment options include:

Over-the-counter medication: The OTC cream docosanol may shorten the duration of a cold sore or prevent one from forming if used at the first signs of an outbreak. Oral pain relievers can also help with discomfort.

Prescription medication: If over-the-counter medications arent enough or you experience recurrent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication such as acyclovir , valacyclovir , famciclovir, or penciclovir . These medications are most effective if started within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. If these still dont help, IV antiviral medication may be necessary.

Home remedies: Applying a clean, cold compress to cold sores may help reduce pain and promote healing. Also wear lip balm with SPF to protect the outbreak from sunburn.

Whats The Difference Between Genital Herpes And Oral Herpes

Because there are 2 different kinds of herpes simplex viruses that can live on many body parts, lots of people are confused about what to call these infections. But its actually pretty simple:

• When you get either HSV-1 or HSV-2 on or around your genitals , its called genital herpes.

• When you get either HSV-1 or HSV-2 in or around your lips, mouth, and throat, its called oral herpes. Oral herpes sores are sometimes called cold sores or fever blisters.

HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, and HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes each strain prefers to live on its favorite area. But its totally possible for both types of herpes simplex to infect either area. For example, you can get HSV-1 on your genitals if someone with a cold sore on their lips gives you oral sex. And you can get HSV-2 in your mouth if you give oral sex to someone with HSV-2 on their genitals.

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Case #5 She Got Genital Herpes Through Oral Sex

A 23-year-old woman, Jill, came to the office with a genital rash. A swab test confirmed genital herpes. She immediately suspected her current partner, Joe, of giving it to her.

The next day they showed up together. Joe denied having been diagnosed with genital herpes.

After being asked a series of questions, Joe remembered having sores around his mouth as a kid. But heâs not getting them anymore. All his previous STD tests were negative for âeverything.â

Joe was very hurt and swore that he wouldnât hurt Jill because he loves her.

Joeâs blood test came back positive for HSV-2. This is the virus that Jill has genitally.

Jill got HSV-2 from Joe via oral sex.

Dr. Fâs Explanation

• Jill got the infection from Joe. Joe most likely has the HSV-2 virus in his mouth and passed it to her by giving oral sex. Itâs not common to have HSV-2 in the mouth, but weâve been seeing it more often.
• Joe passed the infection to Jill via silent shedding .
• Most likely, Joe got HSV-2 in a nonsexual way from his parents or friends.
• Since Joe has had this issue since childhood, he thought of it as only minor fever blisters that he wasnât having anymore. He didnât realize it was an STD and didnât hurt Jill intentionally.