Can I have genital herpes if someone with a cold sore gave me oral sex?
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Well on friday I met this girl I didn't know her that well but she told me she was free of any STIs so we ended up having sex I used a condom for the sex but then I had unprotected oral sex, I then noticed that she had a coldsore on her bottom lip and I read online this could cause genital herpies. I looked online for the symptoms and I am so worried its making me sick with fear, I have like bug bites and rash all over my body but that was before I did it with this girl, no I feel week and my back hurts abit my tongue has lumps on it and I have these weird bumps on my penis, they don't hurt these bumps, can you help me should I go to the doctor, could it be HIV??? I'm going sick with worry:(
Dear John:
Herpes is caused by Herpes Simplex virus type 1 and type 2. Long before, HSV type 1 more commonly causes infections on the mouth (lips, pharynx, gums) while HSV type 2 usually causes genital herpes. However, in modern times, HSV type 1 and 2 can be harboured in either areas of the body due to creative sexual practices (e.g. fellatio and cunnilingus). In asymptomatic individuals (those who have herpes but have no sores visible to the naked eye), risk of transmitting infection is about 10-20%. When the ulcer is active (visible to the naked eye), it is very infectious since the virus is easily shed; rate of transmission is much higher. I would strongly suggest you should see a doctor so those bumps can be assessed and perhaps tests can be done too. If you have risk factors for acquiring STDs (>2 sexual partners for the past year, unprotected intercourse, etc), then it woul be reasonable to have tests for other common STDs as well. It is also noteworthy that condoms are NOT 100% effective in preventing STDs and pregnancy even when intact. I do hope I have appeased your concern and take care always. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 September 2011 )
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