An infected person can transmit genital herpes through oral sex if the partner comes in contact with the infected area of the body during oral, anal or vaginal sex. If person has genital herpes and the outbreak is on the genital area, he/she cannot pass on the virus by giving someone oral sex. However, if the person has HSV-1 infection or cold sores and he or she gives oral sex, the partner will get infected with that specific virus. Oral-genital contact can transmit genital herpes through oral sex from the individual performing oral sex vice versa. Many individuals are not aware that cold sores of a person (oral herpes) can transmit herpes to the genitals. Likewise, a person with genital HSV-2 can transmit herpes to the mouth.

In some instances where the symptoms are invincible, someone can transmit genital herpes through oral sex. The herpes virus can be passed without visible sores, so many individuals may not be aware that they are placing themselves at risk. Technically, if you have previous genital herpes infection and you are not having an outbreak you will not be at risk of giving the virus to others. It is only during active viral shedding during an outbreak that the virus can spread. If there are no visible symptoms like sores, blisters and lesions, watch out for other symptoms such as pain in the body, swelling of the glands/groin and difficulty in urination.

A person can transmit genital herpes through oral sex and it is more common for oral HSV-1 to be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex, than it is for HSV-2 to be transmitted to the mouth. You should avoid having oral sex when such symptoms are present, considering that the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner is very high. There are methods of protection that are available to provide protection during oral sex including dental dams and latex condoms and can be purchased over the counter.

During a homosexual or lesbian activities a partner can transmit genital herpes through oral sex. Genital herpes can be transmitted during vaginal oral or anal sexual contact, unless there is skin-to-skin contact you can transmit genital herpes through oral sex or can be transmitted to any other part of the body's surface through direct skin-to-skin contact. To avoid contracting the disease, it your responsibility to know your partner.

It your responsibility to raise the topic of genital herpes and other sexually transmitted disease to your partner in order that you can take appropriate precautions and protect your own and your partner's health. People need to be more educated about genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases to avoid misconception. There are currently more than 50 million people in the United States who have genital herpes, and the number is more likely to climb unless people begin taking more caution and responsibility in protecting their sexual lifestyle.