Herpes and oral sex

[Matty127 210]

How worried are people about catching herpes from receiving oral sex, even when using condoms. Anyone have any thoughts or stats? If the mouth were to touch an area not covered by the condom or saliva dribbles down it to an uncovered area, I understand there's a risk.

 

Thx!

[hockeyfan266 110]

I have often wondered this myself. I always ask for safe oral sex. Am I just paranoid?

[Amanda-Lee 11094]

Everyone is different.

 

I spoke to a sexual health nurse and asked the same question about giving oral without protection. No matter what there's always going to be risks involved but getting anything from unprotected oral is low. However, it's higher if a man and man were to have intercourse and contracted something, then chances can be higher for HIV or herpes. From my understanding, and please correct me if I am wrong. It's easier to contract something with unprotected sex than unprotected oral sex.

 

No matter there is still a risk for getting something no matter how safe someone can be.

 

This might be of help, I know it is back dated but it has stats, not recent.

 

Something more recent but still back dated, go here.

 

Here is a few others where you can find more information, some of it is updated.

 

That is why it's important to get regular check ups, not just us the escorts, but the men who also see the escorts. It only protects everyone. Better to know than not know and give something to someone.

[Regent 35404]

oral to genital transmission of herpes is pretty common - up to 50% of new genital herpes infections are type 1, which is typically known as oral herpes.

 

oral infections of type 2 herpes is quite rare without genital infection of type 2, in the limited research that's been done on this.

 

The risk of transmission per sex act is quite low when infected parties are asymptomatic, so I wouldn't be overly concerned about transmission, but I would personally opt to use barriers for oral sex for this among many reasons.

 

Most people who have herpes are asymptomatic, and asymptomatic testing for herpes is not recommended (and not very useful), so many, if not most, people who are infected don't know. However, herpes can be transmitted asymptomatically.

[gogofmagog 655]

Hobbying is not for the faint of heart.....

 

..... risk.... versus reward....

[roamingguy 300292]

Hobbying is not for the faint of heart.....

 

..... risk.... versus reward....

 

Actually sex isn't for the faint of heart if you get right down to it

How does a married person really know if his/her spouse is faithful

What do you know about that woman in the bar. What does she know about the guy she is about to see

What do people know about the ladies/gentlemen they are meeting on dating sites

and I could go on

The only 100 percent absolute safe sex is celibacy, ok well masturbation.

But that comes with health risks too...loneliness.

 

RG

[Miss S. Lane 67128]

As has been said, there are always risks involved. So it is up to each individual as to whether or not you wish to engage in covered oral or not. Those choices come with risks and so long as you are willing to accept those risks, then so be it.

 

Herpes 1 and Herpes 2 are literally identical viruses. The only difference is in where they live. Type 1 lives at the base of the ear (which is why it shows up on the lip, nose, etc). Type 2 lives at the base of the spine (hence genitals being where they show up!). The only other "difference" is the stigma attached. There is always a stigma attached to type 2, because of its transmission and where it shows up.

 

As has been mentioned, the risk of transmission is very low if using protection, and while asymptomatic. (Do your research and know what symptomatic herpes, type 1 OR 2 looks like, and don't meet an SP - or alternatively book a client, IF symptomatic!). However, while the risk is low, there is the slight chance that while asymptomatic and using protection, be it oral or FS, that herpes can be contracted. VERY rare, but possible.

 

Another point of note... Testing for this is done via blood work, and all they tell you is if you were "responsive" to type 1 or 2, or both. This doesn't mean you have an active infection right now. It could mean you had a breakout 10 years ago. So it's not overly helpful. But if you are responsive, you could have an outbreak at any time. Triggers vary from person to person.

 

Wow I sound like an encyclopedia (the use of that word also dates me lol). But I've done my research and I always ask sexual health nurses a LOT of questions. I'd rather go into making a decision based on risk when armed with a LOT of info!!!!

[Guest *o*m*s]

I have often wondered this myself. I always ask for safe oral sex. Am I just paranoid?

 

No you're smart

[TorontoMelanieJolliet 4458]

I just asked my doctor a question about this today.

 

She said they tell people who have herpes not to be sexual or have sexual contact if they have an outbreak (very obvious to sexual partner) or when they are having burning, tingling (not obvious to sexual partner) and something else that is associated with herpes when they are going to break out. (I can't remember what the third sign was)

 

I asked her about viral shedding (as I have heard other people talk about it) and she said that is VERY rare but it is when a person who has herpes can spread the virus without having any signs at all. But she emphasized it is VERY RARE. And again she said they just tell people who have the virus to watch for the burning etc and, of course, the actual outbreaks, and refrain from sexual activities during that time.

 

Also (from my own research) condoms will NOT protect you from herpes as the herpes outbreak is usually outside the area covered by condoms. That is why you and your partner should feel comfortable 'checking' each other out.