HERPES

Cold Sore Type Lesion on Penis

Dear Dr. Rob:

I have been with my husband now for 20 years, neither one of us has been with another partner. My question is, is it possible that I gave myself herpes? I get cold sores on my mouth, and from time to time I forget I have them and give oral sex to my husband. He has broken out before with a cold sore type lesion on his penis. Last night while checking my IUD, I noticed that I had some rough type scabs inside my vagina. I have never noticed them before, neither has my husband. We would have noticed them since they are rough and noticeable but small. I have no other symptoms as I am reading about herpes. Any information would be helpful.

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Dr. Rob’s Response:

Dear Woman with Cold Sores:

You are quite astute. You can pass Herpes Type 1 back and forth, so if you gave it to your husband, he can return it to you, but I again would suggest a Herpes Select Test to make sure we are only dealing with Herpes Type 1. 

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