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Can herpes from lip be passed to genitals by masturbating using saliva?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had this sore on my lip for a week now. It is drying up but before it was drying I masturbated using my saliva and touched the sore. For certain reasons I am aware, this sore could be herpes. My question is could I have passed it to my genitals by touching and rubbing my penis.

Answered by Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode is a Consultant Cardiologist dedicated to diagnosing and managing various heart conditions with precision and care. He focuses on improving cardiovascular health through advanced treatments and preventive strategies. With expertise in providing personalized care, he strives to support patients in achieving better heart health, enhancing their quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Less likely, but it is possible if the sore on your lips is herpes only. But, chances of this happening are less as infection at lip will give you immunity against current infection. So virus will not be able to multiply at other sites. Also, since lesion is drying, the virus contents must be low to cause other infection. So overall, I do not think you will get genital herpes.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I touched the sore when it was raw. Is there still a low-risk chance of spreading?

Answered by Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode is a Consultant Cardiologist dedicated to diagnosing and managing various heart conditions with precision and care. He focuses on improving cardiovascular health through advanced treatments and preventive strategies. With expertise in providing personalized care, he strives to support patients in achieving better heart health, enhancing their quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it is less likely in that case as well. It is unusual for a normal immunocompetent individual to get an infection at two or multiple sites. So, there are fewer chances of getting lesions on the genital. Also, are you sure about lesion being herpes? Herpetic lesions are usually small clustered vesicles and painful, which may break to form an ulcer. History of exposure may be there.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 7, 2018
Reviewed At August 22, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode is a Consultant Cardiologist dedicated to diagnosing and managing various heart conditions with precision and care. He focuses on improving cardiovascular health through advanced treatments and preventive strategies. With expertise in providing personalized care, he strives to support patients in achieving better heart health, enhancing their quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Herpes Lip to Genitals Transmission Risk Assessment Decision Helper

Concerned about herpes transmission?

This quick check helps you understand the potential risk of transmitting herpes from a lip sore to your genitals. It is based on common clinical factors.

For guidance only, not a diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode is a Consultant Cardiologist dedicated to diagnosing and managing various heart conditions with precision and care. He focuses on improving cardiovascular health through advanced treatments and preventive strategies. With expertise in providing personalized care, he strives to support patients in achieving better heart health, enhancing their quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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