Herpes and Oral Sex

Herpes simplex is a highly contagious virus that can cause much discomfort and embarrassment to those afflicted with it. The disease is characterized mainly by blisters or lesions that appear around the mouth or on the genitals during an outbreak. The virus is incurable, and though there are treatments available to ease the symptoms, once one is infected there is always the possibility of the virus reactivating and a new outbreak developing. Herpes and oral sex interact through direct skin contact, usually during times of active lesions, but it is possible to spread the virus without any blisters or sores present. Because herpes affects the mouth and/or the genitals, it is typically spread through sexual intercourse, kissing or oral sex.

Symptoms of a first time infection include:
· Fever
· Itching in the genital area
· Painful urination
· Blisters on the genitals or around the mouth typify herpes and oral sex, and last several days before crusting over and healing entirely within a couple of weeks
· Vaginal discharge in women
· Pain during intercourse
· Muscle aches, headaches and general discomfort of the body
· Enlarged and tender lymph nodes near the groin

After the initial infection, recurring outbreaks can occur with the following symptoms:
· Prodrome: the itching, burning, tingling sensation that occurs about a day before blisters appear as a result of herpes and oral sex
· Blisters or lesions on the genitals or around the mouth that usually last about four to six days

If you notice any of these symptoms on either you or your partner, and you have not been previously diagnosed with herpes, contact your doctor immediately for an appointment. Your physician will be able to examine you and determine if you have the virus. If you are diagnosed with herpes, you and your doctor can then discuss herpes and oral sex and the basics of the disease and your treatment plan.

If you have been recently diagnosed with herpes, the first thing you should do is immediately inform your partner that you have the virus and abstain from sexual activity. Just because you are infected doesn’t necessarily mean that your partner is, but there is definitely a chance that the virus has been transmitted if the two of you have been intimate, so have him or her contact a doctor for testing.

Because the virus is almost always transmitted through intimate behavior, the best way to avoid spreading it is by abstaining from intercourse, oral sex and kissing if there are active sores on either partner. One thing that is often forgotten is that herpes can be spread from the mouth to uninfected genitals during oral sex if an infected person has a cold sore. Herpes and oral sex are a bad combination because they can lead to an outbreak on previously uninfected genitals, so watch for any signs of developing cold sores. Even a small cold sore on the mouth is a sign of herpes, and oral sex should not be performed at this time.

To avoid transmitting the herpes virus, take the following precautions:
· Don’t partake in sexual activity during times of outbreak.
· Use a condom.
· Talk openly to your partner about your disease and develop a plan to reduce the risk.
· Have a monogamous sexual relationship.
· Talk to your doctor about some antiviral drugs that may reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus.

Naturally Reduce The Frequency Of Your Herpes Outbreaks While Boosting Your Immune System