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Sexuality & Relationships (Expert Forum)
oral sex is it safe in this situation
Answered by
Janice M Epp, PhD - Female sexual issues, Adolescent sexuality, Male sexual issues
Private Practice
Palo Alto - CA
This forum is for questions and support regarding relationship issues such as: Abstinence, Arousal Problems, Birth Control, Cohabitation, Commitment, Communication, Couples Counseling, Desire /Lack of Desire, Sexual Technique.
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Doctor's Answer
by Janice M Epp, PhD, Sep 02, 2008 06:09PM
, Sep 02, 2008 06:09PM
To: oneday341
Hi.
I can only answer this one way: "no." Even if you're asymptomatic, you CAN transmit genital herpes via oral contact.
Nothing is risk-free. Have you asked your partner how HE feels about the risk? It seems to me you should both be totally informed before making any decisions.
Here are the facts:
Herpes is caused by two viruses -- herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). While statistics vary, research shows that 90% of the population has been exposed to HSV-1, "oral herpes," and 25% of the population aged 25-45 years old in the United States has been exposed to infection with HSV-2, "genital herpes."
HSV-1, the virus responsible for common cold sores, can be transmitted through oral secretions. This usually occurs during kissing, or by eating and drinking from contaminated utensils.
Additionally, HSV-1 CAN CAUSE genital herpes through transmission during oral-genital sex, thus both strains of the virus may be transmitted by sexual contact. Initial oral herpes infection, however, usually occurs in childhood. It is therefore not classified as a sexually transmitted disease.
HSV-1 is responsible for only 5-10% of genital herpes cases, while HSV-2 causes the majority of genital herpes cases. HSV-2 can be transmitted through oral or genital secretions.
The virus is transmitted through secretions from the oral or genital mucosa (skin), common sites of infection in men include the shaft and head of the penis, the scrotum, inner thighs, and anus. The labia, vagina, cervix, anus, and inner thighs are common sites in women. The mouth can also be a site of infection in both sexes.
Research suggests that the virus can be transmitted even when there are NO SYMPTOMS present, so that a sexual partner without obvious genital herpes sores may still transmit the illness. In fact, asymptomatic spread may actually contribute more to the spread of genital herpes than do active sores.
Does the above mean you can't enjoy going down on your partner? Of course not. However, you'll need to use effective risk reducing techniques. In order to minimize risk, I suggest that he wear a condom, and that you don't put your mouth anywhere except on the shaft and head of his penis that is covered by same. Hold the condom securely with your hands so it doesn't come off. This can also provide extra pleasurable stimulation for him. When used properly, condoms provide an effective barrier.
First step is to check out the various kinds of condoms available--including flavored ones. This will be enjoyable research. Play safe; have fun! Dr. J
I can only answer this one way: "no." Even if you're asymptomatic, you CAN transmit genital herpes via oral contact.
Nothing is risk-free. Have you asked your partner how HE feels about the risk? It seems to me you should both be totally informed before making any decisions.
Here are the facts:
Herpes is caused by two viruses -- herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). While statistics vary, research shows that 90% of the population has been exposed to HSV-1, "oral herpes," and 25% of the population aged 25-45 years old in the United States has been exposed to infection with HSV-2, "genital herpes."
HSV-1, the virus responsible for common cold sores, can be transmitted through oral secretions. This usually occurs during kissing, or by eating and drinking from contaminated utensils.
Additionally, HSV-1 CAN CAUSE genital herpes through transmission during oral-genital sex, thus both strains of the virus may be transmitted by sexual contact. Initial oral herpes infection, however, usually occurs in childhood. It is therefore not classified as a sexually transmitted disease.
HSV-1 is responsible for only 5-10% of genital herpes cases, while HSV-2 causes the majority of genital herpes cases. HSV-2 can be transmitted through oral or genital secretions.
The virus is transmitted through secretions from the oral or genital mucosa (skin), common sites of infection in men include the shaft and head of the penis, the scrotum, inner thighs, and anus. The labia, vagina, cervix, anus, and inner thighs are common sites in women. The mouth can also be a site of infection in both sexes.
Research suggests that the virus can be transmitted even when there are NO SYMPTOMS present, so that a sexual partner without obvious genital herpes sores may still transmit the illness. In fact, asymptomatic spread may actually contribute more to the spread of genital herpes than do active sores.
Does the above mean you can't enjoy going down on your partner? Of course not. However, you'll need to use effective risk reducing techniques. In order to minimize risk, I suggest that he wear a condom, and that you don't put your mouth anywhere except on the shaft and head of his penis that is covered by same. Hold the condom securely with your hands so it doesn't come off. This can also provide extra pleasurable stimulation for him. When used properly, condoms provide an effective barrier.
First step is to check out the various kinds of condoms available--including flavored ones. This will be enjoyable research. Play safe; have fun! Dr. J
