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Is Genital Herpes Infection Transmission Possible Through Unprotected Oral Sex?

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Posted on Tue, 20 Dec 2016
Question: A couple of weeks ago I engaged in protected sex using a condom but kissed and had unprotected oral sex on me and on her. It was a one night travel fling and I knew very little about the other person but the thought of herpes was far from my mind. Four days after the encounter I experienced a tingle on my lips and noticed a cluster of very small dots. I immediately started using an anti-viral topical oinment (aciclovir) and the next day Famciclovir tablets. The dots didn't turn into blisters or crust up, as I have seen in images, and have almost cleared completely 12 days after the possible exposure. I have been absolutely terrified that I may have also contracted genital herpes but almost two weeks after the encounter I have no symptoms - rash, sores, fever or other. I seem to recall having had oral herpes (cold sores) maybe 30+ years ago as a child but never again. If the partner in this encounter had oral herpes (none visible) would I have also contracted genital herpes through oral sex and would symptoms have developed by now?

It's now day 13 and I have been looking down every hour in paranoia. I noticed a single tiny pimple on the left side of my scrotum in the fold area and completly freaked out. I suspect (hope) it is an ingrown hair but given my heightened state of alert it has me wondering. It is a single pimple which hasn't changed in appearence for 24 hours, if anything it has subsided this this morning, and seems to feel hard like an ingrown hair. I do shave and the area and it is going through a prickly stage. There are definately no clusters anywhere. Any comments or opinions would be appreciated. Have I been lucky or is it still too early?
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Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
it seems hair root infection, not herpes

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

It is possible that genital herpes may be contracted through oral sex but incubation period (time until symptoms seen) is average 3-7 days. In your case no symptom even after 13 days so no chance of genital herpes. In image small pimple is likely hair route infection which is cured mostly on its own by maintaining proper hygiene. It is common after shaving local parts.

What you had experienced 'a tingle on my lips and noticed a cluster of very small dots' may not be related to your exposure and it is possible that due to some viral infection/cold sore old herpes was activated. It is good that you have taken treatment and it has already subsided.

You are just over concerned. Nothing to worry.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

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Is Genital Herpes Infection Transmission Possible Through Unprotected Oral Sex?

Brief Answer: it seems hair root infection, not herpes Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern. It is possible that genital herpes may be contracted through oral sex but incubation period (time until symptoms seen) is average 3-7 days. In your case no symptom even after 13 days so no chance of genital herpes. In image small pimple is likely hair route infection which is cured mostly on its own by maintaining proper hygiene. It is common after shaving local parts. What you had experienced 'a tingle on my lips and noticed a cluster of very small dots' may not be related to your exposure and it is possible that due to some viral infection/cold sore old herpes was activated. It is good that you have taken treatment and it has already subsided. You are just over concerned. Nothing to worry. Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.