Can HSV-2 Be Contracted Through Oral Sex?

Posted on Sun, 15 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 May 2016 Answered on

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : What is the risk of transmission of HSV-2 (genital herpes) during female-on-male oral sex (I am male). She has never had symptoms, but tested positive recently. We had vaginal sex two weeks prior to oral. Also, I was planning on waiting 4 weeks after intercourse to get tested. Do I need to reset the clock for oral sex, or is thr risk there low?

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can get tested after 4 weeks to this incidence

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible.

Based on the history you have shared, though she is asymptomatic, the virus shedding is still higher (almost 20-30%) as compared to other diseases with positive tests and no symptoms. Normally trasmission rate in such cases with no protection during the intercourse, is almost 5% but even after exposure, and transmission, one may remain asymptomatic so if is better to get tested by PCR which can even come positive after 2 weeks but it is better to wait for four weeks to get viral loads if present or to get reassurance to be virus free. Wishing you a great health. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina