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Is Genital Herpes Contracted Through Sexual Contact Only?
Question: Is genital herpes passed through sexual contact only.
Brief Answer:
HSV can be passed by any type of sexual contact
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Genital herpes is caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2. It can be passed through a direct contact - kissing or any type of sex. The virus stays on the skin.
HSV-1 is usually passed from person to person by kissing. HSV-1 can also spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex (fellatio, cunnilingus, analingus). If this happens, it becomes a case of genital herpes.
HSV-2 is most often passed by vaginal sex and anal sex. HSV-2 can pass from one person's genitals to another person's mouth, resulting in oral herpes.
HSV-2 cannot survive long on a non-living surface, so there is no real risk of getting it from a toilet seat or hot tub, etc.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
HSV can be passed by any type of sexual contact
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Genital herpes is caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2. It can be passed through a direct contact - kissing or any type of sex. The virus stays on the skin.
HSV-1 is usually passed from person to person by kissing. HSV-1 can also spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex (fellatio, cunnilingus, analingus). If this happens, it becomes a case of genital herpes.
HSV-2 is most often passed by vaginal sex and anal sex. HSV-2 can pass from one person's genitals to another person's mouth, resulting in oral herpes.
HSV-2 cannot survive long on a non-living surface, so there is no real risk of getting it from a toilet seat or hot tub, etc.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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