[Question #60] Oral/Herpes

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110 months ago
I have a cold sore inside my mouth (I assume type 1).  We made, then I received oral.  Can I give myself genital herpes like this?  What are the odds? Any preventative care?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
110 months ago
First, usually sores inside the mouth are canker sores, not cold sores (which are caused by herpes).  Do you also have cold sores on your lip?  So if you do have cold sores (or are infected with Herpes type 1), then you are extremely unlikely to ever get the HSV 1 virus in a new location on your body, such as the situation that you are asking about here.  Do you know if the partner that gave you oral sex has ever had cold sores?  If your partner has HSV 1 infection and you do not, then it is possible for you to contract that virus genitally.  So maybe we need a little information about both of you to learn more about the likelihood that either of your would acquire HSV 1 genitally. 
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110 months ago
Thanks for the quick response.  Well after a quick seach, it is a canker sore haha

With the same scenario, of making out, then receiving oral, do I have anything to worry about?  (assuming my partner does not have type 1 or 2)

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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
110 months ago
The same scenario, only with canker sores, not cold sores?  No risk!
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