I Recently Got An Oral Cold Sore On February 4th.

Posted on Fri, 6 Mar 2020

Question: I recently got an oral cold sore on February 4th. The scab came off a few days ago. I've only ever had oral cold sores, never genital. My husband is understandably paranoid about catching it from me. Even though I think the sore is gone, he says he still sees a little something on my lip, which I think is scarring. When will it be safe for us to have sex again? Is it even a risk at all for us to have sex if we avoid kissing?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding HSV transmission

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.

He can get genital herpes from a cold sore only if you perform oral sex on him and that can happen even when you don't have an active episode I.e clinically silent. Otherwise kissing can only lead to transmission of oral herpes, even during clinically silent phases, though much less likely during those phases compared to during an active episode.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (31 minutes later)

Thank you, while that is informative, it does not answer my current question. Is there any risk of transmission during intercourse if I only have ever had an oral cold sore? Let's assume we aren't even kissing, just actual intercourse, could my husband get what I have?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding HSV transmission

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
No. Herpes is a local infection and spreads by direct contact. If you have had only cold sores then you cannot give genital herpes by sexual intercourse.
Take care.

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng