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Is Oral Sex Advisable When Diagnosed With HSV-1 Infection?
Question: I have a question today, i get the occasional hsv-1 cold sore on my lip from time to time usually 1-5 outbreaks per year. It varies year to year. I know this virus can shed even without a blister present or any other symptoms. My question is can i safely perfom oral sex on my girlfriend when i have NO BLISTER or symptoms present, or because of the asymptomatic shedding of the virus is it to risky and foolish to do?
Brief Answer:
Try to avoid oral sex with your partner during and around episodes
Detailed Answer:
Hi, Welcome to HCM
Thanks for posting your query.
HSV 1 infection is essentially a non-venereal disease. Viral shedding will not be present throughout the year. During the spell, prior or following the recurrence there will be viral shedding and not all time. You mentioned that you used to have 5-6 episodes per year. Try to avoid oral sex with your partner during that period. Your partner will be safe.
Dr S Murugan
Try to avoid oral sex with your partner during and around episodes
Detailed Answer:
Hi, Welcome to HCM
Thanks for posting your query.
HSV 1 infection is essentially a non-venereal disease. Viral shedding will not be present throughout the year. During the spell, prior or following the recurrence there will be viral shedding and not all time. You mentioned that you used to have 5-6 episodes per year. Try to avoid oral sex with your partner during that period. Your partner will be safe.
Dr S Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sometimes i have 1 outbreak a year sometimes 2 and sometimes up to 5. How will i know when i can safely do things without fear of spreading it to her?
Brief Answer:
Avoid oral sex during prodromal stage and 7 days following an attack
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back
I accept that it is very difficult to assess the viral shedding period, especially prior to the episode. Most individuals experience a prodromal symptoms like itching, irritation, insect crawling sensation or in the form of fever, body pain etc. If you can avoid oral sex with your partner during that time and 7_10 days following an attack, your girlfriend will be safe from the infection.
Dr S Murugan
Avoid oral sex during prodromal stage and 7 days following an attack
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back
I accept that it is very difficult to assess the viral shedding period, especially prior to the episode. Most individuals experience a prodromal symptoms like itching, irritation, insect crawling sensation or in the form of fever, body pain etc. If you can avoid oral sex with your partner during that time and 7_10 days following an attack, your girlfriend will be safe from the infection.
Dr S Murugan
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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