HomeAnswersSexologyherpesAm I at a risk of infection after having sex with my girlfriend, who has a cold sore on her lip?

Can oral herpes increase the risk of genital infections after sex?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At July 21, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 3, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Both my girlfriend and I have a cold. She also has a cold sore on her lip. We did not have oral sex, and I did not touch her sore. However, we kissed and had anal sex. My genitals were not touched after touching the sore. Is there any risk of infection? Should I be concerned?

Kindly advise.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. It is better to avoid sex for a few days till the sore is healed.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further questions.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the response.

I am unsure whether she has touched the sore and then my penis. Is there a risk of transmission of oral HSV to the genitals? Also, will it take time to show up if the infection occurs? Is it fine if I take the test by the end of the month?

Kindly suggest.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Oral herpes is different and relatively milder when compared to genital herpes. Touching the sore lip and then the genitals does not transmit genital herpes. I suggest you get tested for IgM (Immunoglobulin M) antibodies to help rule out the viral infection.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi Doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

We have not had any oral sex. I noticed a few open wounds on my penis a few days back which I assumed was due to the friction as we have had sex without lubrication. But this morning I woke up and noticed a pimple. This is concerning me. What to do?

Please help.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Typically herpes vesicles are painful blisters. The lesions are not suggestive of herpes infection. So do not worry.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

There is no pain in the blister.

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The middle white lesion appears more of a pimple than a blister. This could be due to friction and infection over hair follicles. It is not a herpetic lesion.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for replying.

Can it be syphilis?

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The lesion of syphilis is different and not like you have. So do not worry.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

Is the blood test for syphilis reliable if it is done one month after contact with a new sexual partner?

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Syphilis can be done earlier too. VDRL (Venereal disease research laboratory test) shows early results. Antibodies especially IgM appear early too. HIV tests have great sensitivity at around four weeks of exposure.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnui
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnui

Psychiatry

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