Sage-Tips

Can you go years with herpes and not know it?

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the majority of people who contract HSV have such mild symptoms that they either go unnoticed or are mistakenly identified as a different skin condition. Bearing that in mind, herpes could go undetected for years.

Is it possible to never know you have herpes?

It might come as a surprise, but it’s possible to have herpes and not even know it. In fact, many people with herpes don’t know they have this sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD) because they don’t experience any symptoms. This is what’s known as asymptomatic herpes.

Can a man be a carrier of herpes and not have symptoms?

Herpes (both oral & genital) can be spread even when there are no symptoms or sores. This is called asymptomatic shedding.

Can a man test negative for herpes and still have it?

A “negative” viral culture or PCR result could mean you don’t have genital herpes. But in some cases, a person could still have genital herpes and a negative result. That’s likely due to other factors related to how much virus there is in the sores. You don’t need to do anything to prepare for these tests.

What does herpes look like on a man?

Herpes sores appear as small, red bumps or white blisters. They can pop up in any area of your genitals. If one of these blisters ruptures, you might notice a painful ulcer forming in its place. It may ooze fluid or cause you pain when urinating.

How does a male know if he has herpes?

The most common symptom of genital herpes in men is a cluster of blistery sores — usually on your penis or anus. Symptoms may last up to a few weeks and go away. They may return in weeks, months, or years. Many people with genital herpes have no symptoms, or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed.

Can herpes be dormant for 30 years?

The herpes virus can lie dormant in the body for years before people experience any symptoms. After people have the first outbreak of herpes, the virus then lies dormant in the nervous system. Any further outbreaks are due to the virus reactivating, which causes symptoms to appear.

What causes herpes?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Sexual contact is the primary way that the virus spreads. After the initial infection, the virus lies dormant in your body and can reactivate several times a year.

How easy can a man get herpes?

Herpes is easily spread from skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. You can get it when your genitals and/or mouth touch their genitals and/or mouth — usually during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Herpes can be passed even if the penis or tongue doesn’t go all the way in the vagina, anus, or mouth.

Is it possible to get genital herpes as a virgin?

So, yes, it’s possible to get an genital herpes as a virgin. It’s unlikely that will it happen, but it’s not impossible. If you’re worried, you and your BF can get tested to see if you have anything. But if you’re both virgins who have only been with each other, I’m going to say you’re probably okay.

Can you get herpes from someone you don’t know?

You can get herpes from a sex partner who does not have a visible sore or who may not know he or she is infected. It is also possible to get genital herpes if you receive oral sex from a sex partner who has oral herpes.

Is it possible to have herpes 2 without a genital outbreak?

If you are positive for herpes 2 and have never had a genital outbreak, it is possible that the herpes 2 you have is an oral infection and not genital. 8) The CDC does NOT recommend routine blood testing for herpes . There is no evidence that testing changes sexual behavior (see above).

How common is HSV-1 genital herpes?

Remember: HSV-1 often presents as cold sores, but it’s possible that some people with HSV-1 actually have genital herpes. So, about genital herpes. You may have heard that one in six people has this infection.