- Manage
- Resources
Q: can herpes be transmitted from a partner that does not know he has it?
Hello Nat0818,
I'm so sorry you have gone through all this pain and questionning. I have been there too and will share with you what my doctor told me. There are several scenarios that could have happened for you to have contracted herpes. 1) your husband could have it without symptoms either orally or genitally, and you could have gotten it through viral shedding from him. 2) you could have had it for a long time and only had symptoms emerge now based on environmental factors (increased stress etc). 3) technically you could have given it to yourself, if you have it orally, touched a sore in your mouth and then touched your genitals (sounds odd, but my doc said that too). 4) faithfulness (as terrible as that sounds) could be a factor and you could have been exposed to it only recently depending on what your husband is doing.
When my doctor explained this to me, since I jumped to the cheating as the first explanation, she explained that cheating is only one minute factor that could have caused it. Herpes' source is very difficult to identify if a partner didn't know they had it prior to one of you getting an outbreak. It can lay dormant for years and then suddenly emerge.
There are tests that can be done to determine if it was a recent exposure or not. Your husband can also go get a blood test to find out if he has it (but is just dormant). I'm not sure on the specifics but there was a sharepost by an expert recently that explains the types of tests. The only problem with blood tests is that sometimes they aren't accurate.
This might not have answered all your questions but I hope it helps. If anyone has further information or wants to correct me on mine, feel free! I'm only passing along what my doctor told me. Take care Nat.
I feel you: I'm in the same boat. Just today, my doctor said he noticed a spot in my vagina and wanted to run a syphilis test. My husband has been my only sex partner for 12 years. He swears he has been faithful and has even offered to take a lie detector test. He has absolutley no sympotms of syhpilis either. So, I guess I will have to await the results of the blood test my doctor did. As far as your question: Without knowing your husband, I can't say with 100% certainty whether or not he has been faithful or not. Does your husband get cold sores on his lips? If so, then it is very possible for him to have given you genital herpes through oral sex. He should speak with his doctor. I hope this helps; good luck.
yes the herpes can be transmitted if he doesnt know he needs to go for a test even though i am oonly 14 i no quiet alot sorry but i think he hasnt been faithful if you have been with him for 4 years and knwo he might haave it and u have been faithful. go to your doctor and keep getting check to be on the safe side
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
