Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: February 29, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
If my partner has cold sores around his mouth that is Herpes I, and we have oral sex will I catch Herpes I or II? Can you have Herpes I near the vaginal area, or once it is around the vagina is it automatically Herpes II? I'm confused.
Signed: Can I Get Herpes I On My Privates?
Dear Can I Get Herpes I On My Privates?,
I can see why you are confused. Herpes and sexually transmitted diseases are confusing subjects. So, let's try to clear it up:
You can get Herpes I (mostly associated with being around the mouth) in the vaginal or penile area. So, yes if your partner has Herpes I in the facial area and he performs oral sex on you, you can get Herpes I in your vaginal area.
This is the same for Herpes II. If your partner has Herpes II in the vaginal or penile area and you perform oral sex on him/her, you can get Herpes II on your facial area.
Essentially, Herpes I or II can live and cause symptoms in either place, mouth and face; and/or genitals.
It's all pretty confusing, however, that is why you need to practice safer sex even with oral sex. Think about any type of sex first and discuss it with your partner. Discuss past partners and STDs and go to a teen health center to get checked out. Then use a condom for intercourse or oral sex performed on a male and use a dental damn for oral sex performed on a female.
For more information on what's herpes, safer sex or any sexuality issue, call your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. If you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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