Hi- I recently started dating a woman whom I am interested in. She confided to me that she has HPV Type 1 genital. She was infected when she received oral sex from her ex husband who had an active cold sore. Would it be safe to kiss her or have oral sex/intercourse with her in the future? I know I am probably getting ahead of myself but want to try to be informed on the subject and practice safe sex. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Hi Rodney,
I have a feeling that you mean you are dating a woman who has HSV 1 genital infection, not HPV, right?  Both are STD's but HSV 1 genitally is what you get when someone gives you oral sex who has a cold sore.  If she has only genital HSV 1 it is certainly fine to kiss her.  Have you ever had a cold sore or have you ever been tested to know if you have HSV 1 infection yourself?  About 56% of the US population has this and about 70% don't know it.  If you both have it (which is statistically most likely) then there is no concern about having sex with her either.  If you actually test negative for HSV 1 via IgG antibody test, there is a small risk that you could get this through intercourse, but HSV 1 genitally is far less infectious through intercourse than say HSV 2 genitally.  It would be possible to get this infection but not that common.  If things get more serious, I would advise you to get tested unless you've had a cold sore in which case you are already infected with HSV 1.

Terri
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Hello- Is it safe to receive oral sex without a condom from a woman with HSV 1 genital? Thanks for your time.

Yes Rodney, if she only has HSV 1 genitally, then it is safe to receive oral sex from her.

Terri
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Thank you so much for your help, Terri! I truly appreciate it. Don't remember being taught any of this in health class way back when. I hope you are available for future questions. Thanks again, Rodney

Of course I am available for further questions, Rodney!  And no, I don't think this is covered in many health classes, though I think it should be

Best
Terri
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