Herpes and Urological Concerns: Your Questions Answered

Herpes Inquiry

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask about my current situation.
Yesterday, my boyfriend came to see me, and I noticed some white spots at the corner of his mouth.
When I asked him, he said it was herpes and that he had seen a doctor who prescribed medication.
The doctor mentioned that it was caused by a weakened immune system and lack of sleep.
When I was preparing to go to bed and helped him with oral sex, I noticed he had shaved his pubic hair.
Turning on the light, I saw that his penis was divided into two halves: one half was red and swollen, while the other half appeared normal.
When I asked him about it, he said the doctor told him he had phimosis and penile inflammation, and that the doctor recommended circumcision.
However, I find it strange that phimosis would lead to penile inflammation.
Is it really necessary to shave pubic hair? I don’t understand, and I was somewhat misled by him.
We also had sexual intercourse (with a condom).

Now, I have a couple of questions: 1.
I accidentally bit my tongue and have wounds in my mouth.
If I kissed him with his herpes-infected lips and performed oral sex on him, am I definitely infected? Am I at risk for herpes or the virus causing his penile inflammation? 2.
His genital area does not have the same rash as herpes, just redness and swelling.
So what could that be? Is there a high chance that he has been with someone else? What a coincidence that he has oral herpes and his genital area is also red and inflamed.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/13

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

Fluid exchange can indeed lead to herpes infection, but many people may have experienced cold sores (which have a high prevalence).
As for balanitis, it is unclear because there are no visible signs of inflammation.
Allergic reactions, medication responses, infections, and localized congestion are all possible causes.

Reply Date: 2018/06/13

More Info

Understanding herpes and its implications in urological health is crucial, especially in the context of potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Based on your description, there are several concerns that need to be addressed regarding your situation.

1. Risk of Transmission: You mentioned that you had a sore on your tongue and engaged in kissing your boyfriend, who has a cold sore (herpes simplex virus). The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be transmitted through direct contact with an active sore or even through asymptomatic shedding. If you kissed him while he had an active outbreak, there is a risk of contracting oral herpes (HSV-1) if it was not already present. Additionally, if you performed oral sex on him, there is a possibility of transmitting the virus to your genital area, which could lead to genital herpes.

2. Understanding the Symptoms: Your boyfriend's symptoms, including the red and swollen area of his penis, could be due to several factors. While he mentioned that he has phimosis (a condition where the foreskin cannot be easily retracted), inflammation can occur for various reasons, including infections, irritation, or poor hygiene. The fact that he has a cold sore and is experiencing genital symptoms raises the question of whether he might have a herpes infection in the genital area as well. However, without visible sores or lesions, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of his symptoms.

3. Concerns About STIs: Given that your boyfriend has a history of cold sores and is experiencing genital inflammation, it is essential to consider the possibility of an STI. The lack of visible lesions does not rule out the presence of an infection. If he has been sexually active with others, the risk of STIs increases, and it would be prudent for both of you to get tested for common STIs, including herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and others.

4. Next Steps: It is advisable for you to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend testing for HSV and other STIs, especially since you have had potential exposure. If you develop any symptoms such as sores, itching, or unusual discharge, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
5. Preventive Measures: Moving forward, it is essential to practice safe sex, including the consistent use of condoms, to reduce the risk of STI transmission. Additionally, open communication with your partner about sexual health and any symptoms is vital for both of your well-being.

In summary, while there is a risk of transmission of herpes and other STIs in your situation, the exact nature of your boyfriend's genital symptoms requires further investigation. It is crucial to seek medical advice, get tested, and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional to ensure both your health and that of your partner.

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