Transmission through oral sex alone is rare, though it is possible to acquire the virus through sexual contact. HSV-2 causes lesions, such as sores and blisters, to form on the skin. The virus is transmissible through skin-to-skin contact, and transmission can occur even when a person does not have any visible lesions.
Although it is rare that HSV-2 spreads through oral sex, the virus can be transmissible through the genital-oral route. People with compromised immune systems have a higher risk of contracting the virus. This article will explain how HSV transmits from one person to another. It will also suggest some steps a person can take to reduce the risk of transmission. HSV-2 generally passes between hosts through vaginal or anal intercourse. It is less common for this infectious agent to transmit through oral sex.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 HSV-1 is a different form of herpes that spreads more commonly through oral sexual contact than HSV-2, according to a review of studies. HSV-2 is transmissible when areas of skin with the virus come into contact with mucous membranes. These are moist linings in certain parts of the body, including the vagina, anus, and mouth.
Because the mouth is an area lined with mucous membranes, HSV-2 can still spread through oral sex. Similarly, HSV-2 can pass from the mouth of a person who carries it to the genital area of another person as a result of giving oral sex. Skin-to-skin contact is necessary for the transmission of HSV It is not possible to acquire the virus from coming into contact with semen, touching toilet seats or other objects, or using hot tubs. HSV-2 passes from one person to another when areas of skin containing the virus come into contact with mucous membranes in or open areas on the skin of people who do not have it.
When the infectious agent is active, it travels to the mucous membranes or parts of the skin that already contain the virus and replicates itself. This process is known as shedding. Shedding can cause sores and lesions in the area that has the infection. The virus transmits to others more easily after shedding. The virus will eventually move through the nerves from the skin to the sacral ganglia, which is an area near the base of the spine. Here, it will remain dormant until it eventually reactivates.
Symptoms are not always noticeable even when the virus is active, and HSV-2 is still transmissible when no symptoms are showing. The vagina and vulva are particularly vulnerable to HSV2 transmission. However, in some rare cases, HSV2 has been known to cause oral herpes because the inside of the mouth is also lined with mucous membranes.
If the virus comes into contact with these mucous membranes during oral sex, it can pass through them and enter your nervous system. It can establish dormancy in nerve endings located near the ear.
This can lead to oral herpes cold sores or herpes esophagitis. Esophagitis is most often seen in immunocompromised patients, such as those with uncontrolled HIV or organ transplants. When this happens, the person who has HSV2 can also transmit the virus to their partner by giving oral sex, resulting in genital herpes.
The virus can also be transmitted if a person who has genital herpes receives oral sex, causing oral herpes in their partner. People with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, may be more susceptible to oral transmission. The other commonly transmitted strain of the herpes simplex virus , HSV1, typically results in oral herpes, or cold sores around the mouth.
This form of HSV is more readily transmitted via oral contact, such as kissing, than through genital contact. HSV1 can be transmitted through both giving and receiving oral sex. It can cause both mouth and genital sores.
You can also get HSV1 through vaginal and anal intercourse, and through the use of sex toys. For this reason, having one form of the virus sometimes reduces the risk of acquiring the other form. This is because your body actively produces antibodies to fight the virus once you have it. Yes, you can contract oral herpes HSV-1 , aka cold sores, from kissing, but developing genital herpes HSV-2 this way is less likely. There are two types of herpes: oral and genital.
Find out what each type of herpes feels like. If you think you may have herpes, see a doctor as soon…. As many as 1 in 2 American adults have oral herpes, while an estimated 1 in 8 Americans ages 14 to 49 have genital herpes.
Use condoms, dental dams and other forms of sexual protection to reduce your risk of spreading the virus. Avoid sexual activity during an outbreak. Our guide to having sex when you have herpes goes into more detail about how you can further reduce your transmission risk and maintain a normal sex life after learning that you have HSV-1 or HSV If you're infected with the virus or think you might be, it's always best to speak to your doctor about your options and testing.
Odds are, they'll prescribe an antiviral medication like valacyclovir , which makes HSV-1 and HSV-2 extremely simple to manage. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Insider tips, early access and more.
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