subject: How Easily Does Having A Cold Sore Pass On Genital Herpes To A Partner - Getting Rid Of Cold Sores [print this page] I have a cold sore and I gave my boyfriend oral sex without letting the actual sore touch him. We then had unprotected sex. Will he get genital herpes from the fact that my saliva came in contact with his penis and will i in turn also develop the infection in my vagina as we had sex immediately afterwards? I freaked out after and made him have a shower, but didn't think of whether i was at risk at the time. Will this have prevented him from getting it? My bf has never had a cold sore and neither of us have ever had genital herpes. I'm freaking out i don't want us to get herpes!
If you are also wondering this, then here is an answer to this question: Yes, it's possible for you spread herpes to his genital area by giving him oral sex. And, yes, it's possible for you to become infected with the virus since you had unprotected sex with him afterwards. Herpes is spread by DIRECT skin to skin contact. So, if you have him oral sex while you had a cold sore, it's possible he'll develop genital herpes .
And, if he does develop genital herpes from that, then it's possible for him to spread it to you during sex (protected or not - condoms are not 100% effective). You would then have cold sores and genital herpes. Also, taking a shower won't prevent the virus from infecting him or you. Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 causes both cold sores and genital herpes. Cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus 1, while genital herpes are usually caused by herpes simplex virus 2.
I'd suggest you both wait and see if either of you develop an outbreak of genital herpes. If you don't see an outbreak then you might not have it. I'd also suggest you go and get tested in a few weeks. Herpes is usually diagnosed with a physical exam when the person is having an outbreak, but it can also be diagnosed with a blood test.
