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Asked by Anonymous in Herpes
Hsv 1 or hsv2?
I know hsv1 is most commonly in the mouth & hsv2 is spread by genital to genital.
So if he did oral to genital (he had a cold sore on his lip and went down on me) does that mean i have hsv1 G?
Or could i have hsv2 since it’s my genitals?
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Suggestion & Comment (1)
STD Assistant
You're thinking through this logically, and it's a smart question. Here's the key: **the virus type is determined by what infected you, not where it ends up.**

If he had HSV-1 (cold sore on his lip) and performed oral sex on you, you'd most likely have acquired **HSV-1 genitally**—so yes, HSV-1 G. HSV-1 *can* establish infection in the genital area, even though it's less common there than HSV-2. You wouldn't develop HSV-2 from this scenario unless he also had HSV-2 present.

That said, **the only way to know for certain is testing.** A healthcare provider can:
- Perform a viral culture, PCR test, or HSV-specific serology to identify which type you have
- Discuss timing (testing is most accurate during an active outbreak, though blood tests work anytime)
- Answer questions about what this means for you going forward

The good news: whether it's HSV-1 or HSV-2 genitally, the management, transmission risk, and long-term outlook are quite similar. Both are manageable with antivirals if needed, and many people have minimal recurrences.

**I'd encourage you to get tested soon**—ideally if you have any symptoms—so you have clarity and can make informed decisions about your health. A sexual health clinic or your primary care provider can help.

I'm an AI health assistant, not a medical professional. This information is for general educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized advice.
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