<human>: I just found out I have genital herpes and I dont know any details... COuld I of had this for awhile and not known or gave it to anyone? I had a severe mouth infection on the inside with sores inside mouth mostly on tongue was put on Valtrex for that,,, could this be latter of that? can I still have oral sex?
<bot>: Hi, Thanks for posting in Chat Doctor. I understand your concern. Genital herpes is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV is of two types: 1. Type 1 (HSV-1), which usually causes oral herpes in the form of infection of the lips and mouth. Symptoms are commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters. In the past, HSV-1 was not known to cause genital herpes, but that is changing, especially among people who begin having sex at a young age. 2. Type 2 (HSV-2), which, in most cases, causes genital herpes. HSV-1 is usually passed from person to person by kissing. HSV-1 can also spread from the mouth to the genitals during oral sex. If infection occurs, it becomes a case of genital herpes.HSV-2 is most often passed by vaginal sex and anal sex. But just as HSV-1 can infect the genitals and cause genital herpes, HSV-2 can pass from one person's genitals to another persons mouth, resulting in oral herpes. Hence, HSV-1 can also be transmitted to the genitals through oral/genital sex and about 40% of genital herpes is caused by HSV-1. It would be advisable not to have oral sex at this stage as it carries a risk for transmission of infection. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.