Can Genital HSV-1 Be Contracted Through Oral Sex?

Posted on Sat, 30 Apr 2016

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

Sat, 30 Apr 2016 Answered on

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 19 yr-old woman & recently tested positive for genital HSV-1. I have received oral sex only twice and had intercourse only once. Is it likely that my genital HSV-1 came from oral transmission. Also, my understanding is that the likelihood of genital-genital transmission of HSV-1 is low. Could you please elaborate. My transaction number is HCM190969.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Genital Hsv-1 transmission is likely through oral sex but its not absolute

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.

Yes, it is very likely that Hsv - 1 came from receptive oral sex because Hsv - 1 more commonly infects oral mucosa but it is also possible that it came through vaginal sex because even though hsv -2 more commonly infects genital mucosa but any type of Hsv i.e type 1 and type 2 can infect genital mucosa and can be transmitted through direct sexual contact.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

What are the odds that a woman with genital HSV1 will give a male partner genital HSV1?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Odds are high during active episode of herpes and less at other times

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I cant give you the exact figure however the odds are pretty high in case of presence of visible sores of hsv type 1 genital herpes i.e an active episode of genital herpes and the odds pretty less during clinically asymptomatic phases. Using a condom regularly and correctly and antiviral treatment (valtrex) reduces the risk of transmission as well.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar