I have not had sexual relations in over 1.5 years but was recently diagnosed with herpes. I do get cold sores 2-4 times a year. My doctor feels this is how I contracted the virus, how possible is this? Is it more possible that I was infected by a previous partner years ago?
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Q: How long can genital herpes lay dormant? I have not been with a sexual partner for over 1.5 years.
Answers (2)
5/11/08 1:41am
What you have described is certainly 'possible' if you have HSV-1 both orally and genitally. However, if you have HSV-1 orally and HSV-2 genitally then it would be impossible for you have passed it on to yourself genitally.
You may have had genital herpes for a longer period and it has indeed lain 'dormant' or previous genital symptoms were non-existent or not recognised as herpes.
Some people never know who gave them the virus or when they contracted it. It's probably more effective to deal with the symptoms and emotional issues than worry about a past you cannot change, so since you are getting medical treatment or at least advice, take it from there and don't worry about the how, when, who.
5/25/08 8:40am
Yes it is possible for the virus to lay dormant for a very long time. I was exposed 12-13 years ago and never had a smpytoms until 12-13 years later and now that I am reading and during research on it remembering back then I use to have frequent itching and I was treated as if it was a yeast infection or bacteria infection so yes it is possible and as foryour partner 9 times out of 10 he has it, because I have been with my financee for 11 years and he goes to get tested on friday we all ready no the results.
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