Herpes from Oral Sex with No Symptoms!

Herpes is a virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact or basic skin to skin contact. Herpes is an infection that is also known as HSV. The herpes virus is associated with small blisters on the skin. Some patients may experience a tingling or burning in the site of the infection. Herpes is also part of a family of viruses that are responsible for shingles and chicken pox. There are two types of the herpes virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is the more common herpes virus. HSV-1 causes cold sores and blisters. It is estimated that 50 to 80 percent of the population has HSV-1 but may not be aware. The reason for this is that a patient with HSV-1 will often not have symptoms.

Herpes sores can also be inside the mouth. A person affected by such infection could easily mistake a herpes sore for a canker sore. Another thing to keep in mind is if you have children. Babies and kids are extremely susceptible to contracting herpes. So be careful who you let kiss your child. Not everyone is aware that cold sores are contagious nor are they aware that a cold sore is the Herpes virus. The difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2 is that HSV-1 is often seen orally and HSV-2 is more frequently seen in the genital area.

The stigma around HSV-1 and HSV-2 is that the viruses are isolated to certain areas. This is simply not true! If a person with HSV-1 gives oral sex to someone, the recipient of said sexual act can contract HSV-1 on their genital area. Therefore, someone else’s cold sore could be your genital herpes. The same can occur with HSV-2. The fact is that Herpes can be a sneaky virus. Anyone can contract it, especially if you are sexually active.

In women, symptoms can often be overlooked. Female patients often present in the office for vaginal irritation. Patients states that they experienced vaginal itching and had attempted the use of over the counter creams for what they believed to be a yeast infection. The skin on and around the vagina is extremely delicate. When a woman gets a herpes outbreak her herpes blister will often pop on their own. Some women will often experience outbreaks on or around her rectum. Blisters can also be popped mistakenly during bathing and wiping after using the restroom.

Upon visual examination under light small circular ulcers can sometimes be seen. The physician will swab these areas of irritation and send them off for testing. It is also important to remember that not every physician tests for Herpes during a routine vaginal exam. Always make sure to ask your physician what he is testing for and request to have a full STD panel completed. If you do not have any herpes symptoms a blood test can be performed.

Visible herpes symptoms with men are typically easier to spot. Herpes blister a typically found on the shaft of a man’s penis. A man can have a herpes outbreak in other areas. In most cases though these blisters with be more noticeable for a male patient that a female due to their anatomy. Male patients will also experience a tingling, itching and burning. This is not the case for all but for some. The initial outbreak will start with a red rash with blisters to follow. In some cases blisters may not appear at all. The only symptom that occurs is irritation. Every patient is different so it is always best to be seen by your doctor to be on the safe side.

According to the CDC more than one in six people have genital herpes. Think about it! If you have had six sexual partners at least one of them had genital herpes. The best way to prevent a herpes infection is to limit your sexual partners. Use protection for all sexual encounters including oral sex! Also if you do have herpes it does not mean you cannot have sex. Just remember that it is your responsibility to be a responsible sexual partner. Inform the person you are going to have sex with that you have herpes. It may be a buzz kill but it is the right thing to do. Also if you currently are having an outbreak please abstain from sexual contact.