“Sex health question?”
I have a lady friend that has oral hepatitis and she gets sores once in a while that last 1-3 days (she takes medication when sores appear). She also has HPV and her doctor says it isn't serious and common. I, as a man, of course, should be cautious and wear protection to reduce such risks. But Is it something I should be deeply concerned about if I were to get those things she has? Will it affect my life long term? Should I run away? I have been recently tested and I am clean of STDs.
Male | 34 years old
2 Answers
Thanks for the question. Cold sore Herpes is not very dangerous. However, it is associated with oral and anal malignancies. If you both take a dose of Valacyclovir before contact, you will be largely protected. You should both be screened for HIV and other STDs. Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Use protection!
I assume you meant to write herpes simplex and not hepatitis. So if you are intimate with your friend when she has oral outbreaks then there is some risk to you.
But oral ulcers inside the mouth are usually not due to Herpes simplex. Herpes simplex after the first infection is not in the mouth but on the lips. Kissing could cause shedding lesions to infect you. obviously, oral sex involving your penis could also transmit to you.
screening for STDs may not include checking for Herpes simplex. I suggest that you have a blood test for Herpes Simplex type 1 and type2. Herpes is very common and people may them with minimal or no symptoms and you learn if you already have them. Ask your lady friend if she has ever had genital herpes. If yes and you are antibody positive for type 1 and 2 , no worries. If you are negative then some worry unless condoms used for all vaginal intercourse.
The HPV can be shared with you. consider getting the HPV vaccination - even if you are over age 26, you can have the vaccine. the reason not to get it is that most sexually active men will have already been infected, but that may not apply to you. the problem with the HPV vaccine is the cost - it is expensive.
I suspect that even with Herpes and HPV most persons live a normal life without consequences.
But oral ulcers inside the mouth are usually not due to Herpes simplex. Herpes simplex after the first infection is not in the mouth but on the lips. Kissing could cause shedding lesions to infect you. obviously, oral sex involving your penis could also transmit to you.
screening for STDs may not include checking for Herpes simplex. I suggest that you have a blood test for Herpes Simplex type 1 and type2. Herpes is very common and people may them with minimal or no symptoms and you learn if you already have them. Ask your lady friend if she has ever had genital herpes. If yes and you are antibody positive for type 1 and 2 , no worries. If you are negative then some worry unless condoms used for all vaginal intercourse.
The HPV can be shared with you. consider getting the HPV vaccination - even if you are over age 26, you can have the vaccine. the reason not to get it is that most sexually active men will have already been infected, but that may not apply to you. the problem with the HPV vaccine is the cost - it is expensive.
I suspect that even with Herpes and HPV most persons live a normal life without consequences.
