Genital Herpes from Oral Question

[C0h32]

Hi all.

So here is my question. While I know it’s possible to contract Genital herpes from oral, I’m wondering what are ballpark figures of actually acquiring it. Let’s use this scenario.

A male receives unprotected oral sex from a female with unknown HSV status.

Assuming the woman actually has one form of HSV in the mouth/surrounding areas, what is the actual likelihood of transferring it to the man? 

In terms of percentages, are we talking a coin flip (50/50) or is there any research data to support a % probability?

Thanks

[mr_hopp]

Hey @C0h32! You'll make yourself crazy trying to figure out the actual % based on one sexual act. Why? Because life isn't actually *experienced* in terms of %s. It's either you got it or you didn't — there's no 0.0325% amount of herpes, for example. 😉 

With this being said, overall, of course it's helpful to know %s over the long term, like over a year (as the H Opp handouts facts offer), but on a per-act basis, it's crazy-making to try to figure out (and even once you do, it doesn't get you anywhere as far as a definitive result). Just hang in there, take this as a lesson learned for future scenarios, wait 3 months and if you haven't had an outbreak, go get at least an IgG test (a Western Blot test if you can swing it).