Copyright (c) 2010 JB Harrison

Can I get oral herpes from oral sex? Transmission of either the herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 viruses is full of myths and ideas. We will give you the answers you need and want, keep reading...

Herpes simplex virus type l, which causes cold sores, is usually contracted in childhood by a kiss from an infected person, while herpes simplex virus type ll, the cause of genital herpes, is acquired once a person becomes sexually active. It is unusual for a person with one type of the herpes simplex virus to contract the other type.

The herpes complex virus is receptive to infecting the body through new portals. The virus enters via skin-to-skin contact, damaged skin (i.e. cuts, tears) and mucous membranes. The virus then lives in nerve cells for the entirety of the person's lifetime. The initial infection may trigger an outbreak of symptoms within a week or there may be no apparent reaction to the infection. Many people do not realize they have contracted herpes because they have no symptoms or the symptoms are so mild they think they are from innocuous causes such as yeast infections, jock itch or razor burn.

Herpes is especially contagious when symptoms are active, such as blisters or open weeping sores. In addition, the herpes virus can shed from the skin when no symptoms are present. The herpes virus sheds approximately 18 days a year without any obvious signals. It is impossible to know when the herpes virus is active and shedding in these cases. As time goes on, shedding becomes less frequent. This holds true in both oral and genital herpes.

Oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals of another person and genital herpes can be transferred to someone's mouth. The most common form of transmission is oral to genital herpes. Precautions should be taken when an infected person engages in sexual activity.

A person performing oral sex should utilize condoms for the male and dental dams for the female. There are condoms on the market that are targeted for oral sex. These are not treated with spermicide or talc. It should be remembered that the condom only protects the genitals, not the testicles and areas surrounding the genitals. It is imperative the condom is latex. Other materials may be porous and permit the virus to escape.

Dental dams placed over the clitoris and vagina provides protection during oral sex as long as vaginal fluids do not contaminate the top of the dam. As with condoms, the dam should be latex for the same reason. These safeguards are for those with oral herpes performing oral sex on an uninfected partner or an uninfected person engaging in oral sex with an infected partner.

Transmission of herpes simplex one to the genitals is possible when "shedding", an open sore or weeping is occurring orally and the infected partner performs oral sex on the uninfected partner. Although uncommon, the transmission of the virus may occur.

If you are infected with either of the herpes viruses, we strongly recommend responsible sexual precautions such as latex condoms and dental dams. If you are experiencing a breakout, abstaining from all sexual contact is best in order to avoid spreading the virus to your partner.