Cold sores & oral sex: Can you catch herpes from oral sex?

You may have heard you shouldn’t snog or have oral sex if you have a cold sore, but why? Well, it’s to do with the virus that causes cold sores; the herpes virus. Can you catch herpes from oral sex? In some cases, yes. A member of our community got in touch to ask us about this, read our response below and get the facts on cold sores and oral sex.

Can you get herpes from a blowjob?

I’ve just started having sex with my girlfriend. I’m just wondering, if she gives me head and neither of us has any sexual infections, is it possible for me to get herpes? I’m really worrying about it. Can you put my mind at rest?

Catching herpes from oral sex: the facts

Herpes can be spread by having oral sex with someone who has active cold sores on their mouth, or genital sores. Therefore, even if both partners have no STIs, herpes can be spread to the genital area if someone has the virus around the mouth.

During an episode of herpes, the blisters and sores are highly infectious and the virus can be passed onto others by direct skin to skin contact. It is possible to have herpes without any sores being present, and there’s a risk that the virus can be passed on even when you can’t see the sores because they may not have completely healed. This is why good communication and trust is important between two people involved in a sexual relationship. If you, or your partner, are worried that you might have a herpes infection, the best thing to do is get tested to put your mind at rest.

What is herpes?

There are two types of the herpes virus. Herpes simplex virus type I, or oral herpes, commonly causes cold sores around the mouth and nose. It can also affect the eyes, genitals and anal areas. Herpes simplex virus type II is usually responsible for sores in the genital and anal region but may also affect the mouth and eyes.

How to avoid catching herpes from oral sex

It’s natural to have some worries when you first start having sex, and it’s great that you are concerned about your sexual health. The best way to ease your worries and reduce the risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is to always practise safe sex, using a condom for sexual activities including oral sex. If you are giving your girlfriend oral sex, you can also use dental dams (thin squares of latex) as a barrier during sexual contact between the mouth and the vagina, or the mouth and the anus.

Free, anonymous testing at a GUM clinic

You can get advice and testing at a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Services are attached to or within local hospitals, and are usually separate, discreet departments. GUM consultations are free and confidential, which means that no one will be told about your visit, unless you want them to be. Before being tested it is usual to see a health advisor who will discuss any concerns, and reassure you about what the tests will involve. Find out more about what’s involved with visiting a GUM clinic here.

It may be useful to visit your local Brook Centre and have a chat with a counsellor or see a doctor there. Under 25s can talk to someone at Brook in confidence about anything to do with sex and relationships. Alternatively, you can visit their digital tool, Ask Brook.

Answered by Brook on 19-May-2013

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