Can you get genital herpes from cunnilingus with herpes labialis?

Answer

Dear Hannelore,

This is indeed possible.

There are 2 types of this virus: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2. HSV1 usually occurs on the lips, HSV 2 usually occurs genitally, but this is not exclusive to both viruses. An HSV 1 infection at the genital area returns slightly less frequently than HSV 2, but both viruses are present in your body (nerve cells) for life after infection and can flare up throughout your life.

Herpes is highly contagious and can be passed on to your partner through skin contact. So if your partner has herpes labialis, it can end up on your labia through sexual contact and cause genital herpes there. This can also be passed on in the phase that your partner does not have blisters on his lips: you do not know that the other person is contagious and you think everything is safe.

Total abstinence at a time when there are blisters and consistent condom use is most preventive, but you can never completely rule it out.

kind regards,