Can You Spread Genital Herpes (HSV-2) from Oral Sex?

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"Can I spread genital herpes to my partners mouth if s/he gives me oral sex?"

‍The exciting and resounding answer to this question is a (slightly qualified) NO! Genital HSV-2 will most likely not be passed to the mouth! It’s 99% impossible (hence the slight qualification). If you use incredibly basic precautionary measures (avoiding oral sex during a herpes outbreak or during prodrome symptoms), you’re home free when it comes to receiving oral sex. Ain’t that the best news you’ve heard in a while? I thought so. Go enjoy yourself. Get down on it.

98-99% of the cases of oral herpes (cold sores) are caused by HSV-1, not HSV-2. (Download the helpful handouts here for more helpful herpes statistics.) According to Dr. Peter Leone, there should be no reason you should avoid receiving oral sex from your partner just because you have genital HSV-2 (of course, avoid oral sex during herpes outbreaks). Even without using dental dams or condoms during oral sex, you run only a 1-2% risk of your partner getting HSV-2 in their mouth because HSV-2 has an overwhelmingly huge preference for the genitals.

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What about if I have genital HSV-1? Read this article for more on oral sex and HSV-1.

Frequently asked questions

Can you transmit HSV-2 by giving someone oral sex?+

Yes, it is possible to transmit HSV-2 through oral sex, though it is uncommon. HSV-2 strongly prefers the genital area, so oral HSV-2 rarely sheds and rarely causes outbreaks. The risk of passing genital HSV-2 to a partner's mouth through receiving oral sex is very low, but not zero.

Can someone with oral herpes (cold sores) give me genital herpes through oral sex?+

Yes, this is actually one of the most common ways people get genital HSV-1. If someone has oral HSV-1 (cold sores) and performs oral sex, they can transmit the virus to their partner's genitals. Genital HSV-1 is now responsible for a growing percentage of new genital herpes cases, especially among younger adults.

Do I need to use a dental dam every time I receive oral sex if I have genital herpes?+

Dental dams do reduce the risk of transmission during oral sex, but they are not the only risk-reduction tool. Taking daily antiviral medication, avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks, and having open communication with your partner are all important layers of protection. Many couples find a combination of precautions that works for their comfort level.

If I have genital HSV-1, what are the transmission rates to a partner through oral sex?+

Genital HSV-1 sheds much less frequently than genital HSV-2, so transmission rates are considerably lower. Studies show genital HSV-1 sheds on roughly 3-5% of days compared to about 15-20% for genital HSV-2. This means the risk of passing genital HSV-1 to a partner is quite low, especially outside of outbreaks, though it is never completely zero.

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