Cold Sores + Oral Sex = Genital Herpes HSV1

Some people are unaware or in denial that cold sores on a person's lip are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV1). A herpes blood test will confirm to a person who's ever had a cold sore, that their cold sore(s) are in fact caused by herpes.

Some people are also not aware that a cold sore + oral sex = genital herpes HSV1. What may seem like an innocent cold sore, can actually become a life-long viral infection in the most intimate part of a person's body. The consequences are permanent.

If a person with a cold sore places their mouth on their partner's genitals during oral sex, they will transmit the herpes virus to their partner's genitals. A cold sore is very easily transmitted this way, from one mucous membrane to another.

A person with a history of cold sores can also infect their partner during oral sex, with no symptoms of a cold sore present, through a process called asymptomatic viral shedding.

Every precaution should be taken to protect a partner during oral sex, because although genital HSV1 is usually reported as being mild, there can be irreversible complications, such as pudendal neuralgia / post-herpetic neuralgia, in which the pudendal nerve which is responsible for sensation to the genital area, perineum and anal area, is damaged by the herpes virus and causes chronic pain in these areas, especially with sitting.

A moment of pleasure during oral sex, can result in a lifetime of needless pain and suffering if only the proper precautions had been taken.

I encourage everyone reading this to please be very careful, educate yourself and make informed decisions for your well-being and future. We only have one life and we should live it the best way possible, including protecting our health.