Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: December 8, 2008
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My girlfriend has oral herpes, type 1, and before either of us knew she had it, I kissed her when she likely had an open sore from the virus. Therefore, I realize it is likely that I was infected with the virus. However, I did not know it at the time and masturbated using my saliva. A couple of weeks passed. Now I have had small red bumps for almost a week, not on my penis (that I can find), but on the inside of my thigh and above the penis in the groin area. Is it possible I have genital herpes? And if so, what would be the appropriate course of action to take? I'm a 16 y/o male and I'd like to keep my parents out of this matter for now, is there anyway to get tested confidentially, and can you be tested once the sores go away?
Signed: How To Get Tested For Herpes Confidentially
Dear How To Get Tested For Herpes Confidentially,
For our readers who may not know, cold sores, which are small and somewhat painful blisters that usually show up on or around a person’s lips, are caused by the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). Genital herpes generally isn’t caused by HSV-1, but by another types of herpes simplex virus called herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). While HSV-1 typically causes sores around the mouth and HSV-2 causes genital sores, it is possible for these viruses can cause sores in other places.
That said, if you kissed your girlfriend when she had an open sore, it is possible that you contracted HSV-1. And while it is more common for HSV-1 to affect the areas around the mouth, depending on the type of contact you have had with one another, it is possible that you may have herpes sores in your genital area.
The appropriate course of action would be to see a doctor as soon as possible. In most states, adolescents are able to get testing and treatment for STI related issues confidentially. To get tested, you can speak with your primary care physician, see an adolescent medicine specialist at a local teen health center, or see a healthcare professional at Planned Parenthood. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern
Other resources available to provide information and referral services include:
CDC-INFO Contact Center
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
National Herpes Hotline
(919) 361-8488
National Herpes Resource Center
herpesnet@ashastd.org
Signed: TeenHealthFX
A sexually active teenager who does not use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within one year. 
