Many people are still quite oblivious to the cause and effect relationship between herpes and oral sex, or at least most try to be.

Here are some of the most common questions asked about herpes and oral sex. We present them in hopes of clearing your mind on confusing issues and making you aware of the potential risks that are involved in herpes and other STDs.

What is Oral Herpes?

Oral herpes or herpes labialis is caused by the herpes simplex virus, most especially the first type, known as hsv-1 for short. Its primary symptom is the appearance of cold sores or fever blisters on the lip and mouth area. These cold sores look like red bumps filled with water which eventually break down, crust over and form scab. It usually disappears by itself within two weeks.

How is Oral Herpes Different From Genital Herpes?

By the terms itself, oral herpes primarily manifests as cold sores in the mouth, while genital herpes manifests as cold sores in the genitals. They are caused by different varieties of the same virus; they only grow in different areas but they are as contagious and can get passed as one form to another.

Is Herpes an STD?

Strictly speaking, both oral and genital herpes are sexually transmitted diseases. People usually think of oral herpes with milder connotation than genital herpes. However, the fact that they are caused by similar viruses, there is a possibility for contracting genital herpes from oral herpes and vice versa through oral sex.

How Can Oral Herpes Be Transmitted as Genital Herpes?

Oral herpes can be transmitted as genital herpes through oral sex. Sharing of body fluids through oral sex results to the spread of the virus.

How Can I Get Herpes From Oral Sex?

Herpes and oral sex definitely do not go well together. If your partner has cold sores (and oral herpes) and performs oral sex on you, there is a danger of passing the cold sores to you, now as genital herpes. If your partner has genital herpes and you perform oral sex on him or her, the herpes virus will get transmitted to you as oral herpes.

Can My Partner Get Herpes from Oral Sex?

Yes. If you have an oral herpes cold sore outbreak and perform oral sex, your partner will contract the herpes virus as genital herpes. If you have genital herpes and receive oral sex, your partner is also at risk of getting oral herpes.

Can I Get STD From Receiving Oral Sex?

The manner of virus transmission described above is primarily how virus-caused sexually transmitted diseases spread from one person to another. This is also the mechanism how people can get infected with genital warts from oral sex.

My partner Has Oral Herpes but Without Cold Sores, Can I Still Get Herpes?

The fact of the matter is that the herpes virus tends to stay in the nervous system. When a cold sore outbreak heals, the virus retracts and stays at the nerve endings. If some virus happens to be located near the surface of the skin, there is a possibility for the virus to get spread. So, yes, you can still get herpes, but the chances are slimmer than when cold sores are present.

How Can The Spread Be Controlled?

If you want to be safer, it is best to use a condom (for men) or an oral dam (for women). Always assess the risk that you are getting yourself into. If you are not sure, always go for safe sex. Remember that having herpes and oral sex can lead to unwanted viral transmission.