How many years can one be infected with genital herpes with no obvious signs before suddenly acquiring the obvious signs and symptoms?
211836
About one in four adults in the United States has genital herpes. However, most people don’t know they are infected because their symptoms are too mild to notice or mistaken for another condition.  A person may show symptoms within days after contracting genital herpes, or it may take weeks, months, or years. For this reason, it can be difficult for people to know when and from whom they may have contracted the virus.
660480
No you will not get genital herpes just by laying next to someone with the virus. To get genital herpes you have to have direct skin to skin contact or have sex with them. So unless you are rubbing your genital areas together, or having sex with that person you ARE NOT going to get it. \n\nAnd your doctor is right for the most part. Usually doctors diagnose genital herpes by a physical exam, and also a pap smear for women. There is a blood test that they can do, but they have be shown to be really inaccurate, giving negative results, when you do in fact have the virus. The first or primary outbreak usually occurs 2-14 days after being infected. So unless you have had an outbreak, chances are you probably don't have the virus.\n\nThere is nothing you can really do to help your friend, just be there for him. It's not a deadly STD, and it is totally treatable with medication. \n\nThe sores caused by genital herpes are extremely painful on your first outbreak. They sort of looks like cysts or blisters rather than small pimples. You can "pop" them, but that is REALLY bad to do. If you pop them, the puss and fluid from them can get on the skin around it and cause more sores to appear! The best thing a person can do when they are having an outbreak is to leave them alone! Take the medicine the doctor prescribes you and don't touch your sores! They will heal better the less you touch them and irritate them. And ALWAYS wash your hands after you have touched them. \n\nYou can't tell if someone has genital herpes just by looking at them, or their genital area. Even if they show no signs of the virus, like sores, they can still be "shedding" the virus, which means they can pass it to you. Always wear a condom, or if you are a girl, insist the guy does. Even though condoms are not 100%, they are the safest thing you can do to protect yourself from STDS, other than abstinence.
157480
It's absolutely possible.  Most women who are infected with Gonorrhea do not show symptoms & may never know they have it until permenant damage is done to the reproductive system, or happen to get tested for it.  Men tend to show symptoms more than women, but it's also entirely possible that a man also would be symptomless.  \n\nWith that said - symptoms will not just "pop" up after being infected for a long time.  If you're going to have symptoms - it will happen with 2 to 10 days after infection.\n\nShe and her husband absolutely must be treated - it's easy to get rid of with antibiotics.
138908
http://www.herpes.org/\n\nIt is known that partners infected with genital herpes can transmit the infection to an uninfected partner BOTH when symptoms are present (such as redness and blisters) as well as when no symptoms are present (called "asymptomatic shedding"; see the paper on Asymptomatic Shedding at www.herpes.org ). Researchers have shown that viral shedding of herpes virus occurs very often from the genitals of the infected partner even when the infected partner has no symptoms: In some cases over 80% of the time. This means that an infected partner can transmit herpes to the uninfected partner even when no symptoms are present.
44308
Never say never when it comes to diseases, but you shouldn't have to worry about most STDs if neither one of you is currently infected.  STD stands for 'sexually TRANSMITTED disease'.  This means the virus or bacteria depends on the conditions present during sex to spread.\n\nIn a case like herpes simplex 2, the partner with the infection would have days when contact would be more dangerous.  The open sores on a penis would come into contact with the lining of the vagina and the virus would eventually work its way to her bloodstream.  No sexual contact, no problem.\n\nAll you can do is stay hygienic and know where your partner has been.  If in doubt, insist on condoms.
562470
Been there, done that. Yes it can be very dreadful. I know how you feel. \n\nI got genital herpes about 5 years ago. I have dated a few guys since then, and I have told EVERY one of them before I became sexually active with them. I can tell you I have never had a bad experience or reaction to telling any of them though. Although, that's not true for some people. When I know the relationship is getting serious I'll sit them down and explain it to them. The best thing I have found to do is to get as much good information about the virus as you can. This way when they ask you questions like, can I get it? How do I get it? Is is deadly? Is it treatable? etc, you will have the right information and you will be able to explain it to them. Also, provide them with some good websites, that way when it's convenient for them, they can go online and read about it themselves. \n\nI am currently engaged to a great guy right now. I told him when we were first dating that I had the virus and I sat him down and explained it all to him. He was concerned of course, but after some serious talks he understood it better. He accepted that he would probably get it from me someday. After a few months, he did end up getting the virus. But we are still together and plan on marrying soon. \n\nDon't let this affect you dating life! There are plenty of guys out there that would completely understand the situation. Even one of the guys I have dated also had the virus! So don't feel like you are the only one, a lot of people have it.\n\nYou can email me if you like. Good luck to you!
411120
i don't think so. it takes a few weeks for a herpes infection to set into a new person, so you wouldn't notice blisters in a few days.
152101
as a person with herpes (unfortunately) i should know that it is possible to have it and yor g/f cannot. you could have had it for a period of time until something triggered it. Stress, anxiety, a cold anything. the best thing to do is when you have an outbreak DO NOT HAVE SEX. this will decrease the chance of her catching it. granted it is not easy to tell someone that you have that but if the person cares abotu you they will understand. go onto websites to give yourself better knowledge about it. hey if you have any questions feel free to ask them. dont be afraid to ask, that is the only way to find things out!! it isnt that much easier for a woman to see than a man. it all depends on how u handle certain situations. my stress may cause me to outbreak more than your or vice versa. \n\nloveless816@yahoo.com if you need to ask anything.\n\n\nP.S. it can lay dormant in ANYONE, not just women
85238
I am sorry to say but Mike is WRONG:\nThere are two types of Herpes,  Herpes simplex type I or II. Either type can infect the mouth or genitals (if you're really unlucky you can have 4 lifelong infections going at the same time: HSV1 and 2 in the upper body, HSV1 and 2 in the lower body. This would be very rare). When your incfected, the virus "hides" in the nervous system between outbreaks. It will protect you from a new infection of the same type, not of another type.\nOnly about 25% of Americans over the age of 12 DO NOT have antibodies against one of the two (standard test for exposure and infection).\nHSV1 is extremely prevalent (very easy to pass on, quite innocently, just by an injudicious kiss to a baby). Most everybody (up to 90% of the population) has antibodies against HSV1 by the time they're 50.\nAbout 20 to 30% of the population has antibodies against HSV2, more women than men (infection is easier for females), but HSV1 is fast becoming a major cause of genital herpes.\nMost people with HSV1 have just "fever blisters". Some have it bad, a terrible rash from the nose down to the chest, inside the mouth, it looks like a case of pox. It can last a few days to over a week. Genital herpes is basically the same on the genitals, blisters and lesions, individually different how bad. \n\nNow about transmission: It mostly happens when you have a blister/blisters going, through direct skin-to-skin contact. Avoid physical contact with the area from the time of the first symptoms (tingling, itching, burning) until all sores are completely healed, not just scabbed-over. Also try to prevent self-infection to other areas of your body. Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch a sore. Better yet, don't touch the sores.\nUnfortunately, the virus can sometimes  spread , when no signs or symptoms are present. This is called "Asymptomatic Transmission." Often people don't know they are infected, these people may have symptoms so mild they don't notice them at all or else don't recognize them as herpes. They can also spread it. Still, asymptomatic transmission appears to be far less likely than spreading the virus when lesions are present.
322439
Genital herpes are easy to spot; they are open red sores. Do you recall ever seeing them on him? It is slightly more difficult for men to contract GH than women since the herpes virus thrives on warm damp areas (i.e. the vagina or mouth), so even if he did cheat on you with a woman with GH, it would be possible for him not to contract the virus. Although this is not as likely, but not impossible either, if he has an oral strain of the herpes virus and might have "gone down" on you while he had a cold sore, that strain could have mutated into the HSV-2 or HSV-1 type (genital herpes).
619845
Hey No need to worry this much, I have gone through a similar condition like this . I was much worried about herpes as symptoms looks that way . After that I realized that most symptoms are produced by my anxiety only. Now all I can say is that you have become hypersensitive . What you are experience is a penis irritation or inflammation only . The body aching is produced by your anxiety . Take this as a good lesson stop having any kind of sexual relations with strangers . If you are having sexual urge so much , then practice safe sex like masturbation . Otherwise this kind of careless sex can take away entire life . Think about it .At this moment you don't need to worry much about . Your symptoms will go away after few days .Further you practice safe sex only . You can go for an STD test later if you want to make sure that you are 100% clean.
293900
emillea is right - He is at risk of contracting oral herpes. That other answer is wrong about you not getting cold sores from genital herpes. Type 1 and 2 can both cause the same results. They can both cause oral or genital herpes. And even when you have no symptoms, the virus may be shedding. You can take prescription valtrex which can help suppress your symptoms, but even with that it is still possible to spread the virus. I know this stinks, only God can heal someone of genital herpes. But I believe all things are possible with Him.  Until He does it, use wisdom.
505755
Symptoms of herpes are called outbreaks. The first outbreak appears within 2 weeks after you become infected and can last for several weeks. These symptoms might include tingling or sores near the area where the virus has entered the body, such as on the genital or rectal area, on buttocks or thighs, or occasionally on other parts of the body where the virus has entered through broken skin. They also can occur inside the vagina and on the cervix in women, or in the urinary passage of women and men. Small red bumps appear first, develop into small blisters, and then become itchy, painful sores that might develop a crust and will heal without leaving a scar. \n\nSometimes, there is a crack or raw area or some redness without pain, itching, or tingling. \n\nOther symptoms that may accompany the first (and less often future) outbreak of genital herpes are fever, headache, muscle aches, painful or difficult urination, vaginal discharge, and swollen glands in the groin area. \n\nOften, though, people don’t recognize their first or subsequent outbreaks. People who have mild or no symptoms at all may not think they are infected with herpes. They can still transmit the virus to others, however.
251746
Genital herpes is usually diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical exam. Your health professional may ask you the following questions:\n\nDo you think you were exposed to genital herpes or another STD? How do you know? Did your partner tell you? \nWhat are your symptoms? \n1. Do you have sores in the genital area or anywhere else   on your body?\n2. Do you have any urinary symptoms, including frequent urination, burning or stinging with urination, or urinating in small amounts?\n3. If you have discharge from the vagina or penis, it is important to note any smell or color.\nWhat method of birth control do you use? Did you use condoms to protect against STDs? \nWhich high-risk sexual behaviors do you or your partner engage in? \nHave you had an STD in the past? How was it treated? \n\nThe primary outbreak of genital herpes tends to last longer and be more severe than subsequent (recurrent) outbreaks. Symptoms of a primary outbreak may include:\n\nFlulike symptoms, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. These symptoms usually get better within a week. \nTingling, burning, itching, and redness at the site where an outbreak is about to occur (prodrome). \nPainful, itchy blisters on the penis, on the vulva, or inside the vagina. Blisters may also appear on the anus, buttocks, thighs, or scrotum, either alone or in clusters. They may be barely noticeable or as large as a coin. \nBlisters that break and become shallow, painful, oozing sores. \nSwollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin. \nPainful urination. \nAbnormal vaginal or urethral discharge.\n\nAny blisters, sores, or other symptoms that suggest genital herpes infection or another sexually transmitted disease (STD) should be evaluated by a health professional. Avoid sexual contact until you have been examined by your health professional to prevent transmitting an infection.\n\nIf your daughter feels she is at risk she should not have sex until both her and her boyfriend have been checked by a physician.
464757
when the herpes virus hits first it comes along with fever/pain. that's so sad, poor baby, yes have your doctor look in to it. hopefully it's nothing like that.
138681
According to the CDC "Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years".  Also "most transmission is from persons who are unaware of their infection".\nAlso as far as the diagnosis goes there are two tests that are performed one is a preliminary test which if positive requires a confirmatory test (a VDRL).  She would not have been told she was positive without the doctor having the results from both tests.  Also these types of tests are normally sent out to research laboratories that specialize in running these tests so it's not very likely that a mistake was made.  Strongly encourage her to complete the medication at this time as syphilis can have serious medical complications if left untreated.
33311
Have you been tested for herpes simplex virus? They sound suspiciously like cold sores.\n\nI know it sounds obvious, but it's all I can think of.