Can herpes from lip be passed to genitals by masturbating using saliva?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had this sore on my lip for a week now. It is drying up but before it was drying I masturbated using my saliva and touched the sore. For certain reasons I am aware, this sore could be herpes. My question is could I have passed it to my genitals by touching and rubbing my penis.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Less likely, but it is possible if the sore on your lips is herpes only. But, chances of this happening are less as infection at lip will give you immunity against current infection. So virus will not be able to multiply at other sites. Also, since lesion is drying, the virus contents must be low to cause other infection. So overall, I do not think you will get genital herpes.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it is less likely in that case as well. It is unusual for a normal immunocompetent individual to get an infection at two or multiple sites. So, there are fewer chances of getting lesions on the genital. Also, are you sure about lesion being herpes? Herpetic lesions are usually small clustered vesicles and painful, which may break to form an ulcer. History of exposure may be there.