I am a man who has been in a committed relationship for 20 years. I have limited sexual history before my current partner and my partner had no sexual history before me.  During the last couple years I have experienced an unusually high degree of stress.  In 2022,  I noticed a pimple on the shaft of my penis.  I didn’t really think anything of it and it went away after a week or so.   I noticed it again last November and, again, I ignored and it went away.  Then a week ago, I noticed it again.  I am stressed that perhaps it is HSV.   My partner has never been diagnosed  with HSV 1 but does sometimes have breakouts of blisters on the lip—usually brought on by stress.

I understand I should go see a doctor to confirm but I have questions as I prepare for what could be shocking news. 

1.  How likely is the possibility that I could have contracted HSV more than 20 years ago and not have any outbreaks until 2022?  

2.  I have read that HSV can be transmitted orally to the genital area. How likely is it that my partner could have transmitted it orally to my genitals some time during the past 20 years but the outbreak hasn’t happened until 2022?

Of the two scenarios which is more likely in your experience? I am really baffled by what is going on. 

1.  How likely is the possibility that I could have contracted HSV more than 20 years ago and not have any outbreaks until 2022?  

That is possible but not terribly likely.

2.  I have read that HSV can be transmitted orally to the genital area. How likely is it that my partner could have transmitted it orally to my genitals some time during the past 20 years but the outbreak hasn’t happened until 2022?

That is also possible.  There is no way to know for sure about this diagnosis except to do an antibody test that is accurate, like the western blot.  You could have either HSV 1 or HSV 2 in the genital area.  If your antibody test is positive for HSV 2, with 95% certainty, it is genital.  If it is positive for HSV 1, then it could be oral or genital.  Have you ever had a cold sore on your lip or in your nose?  If the answer is yes and your antibody test is positive for HSV 1, then you can be almost certain you don't have that genitally.  If both are negative, you are in the clear!

HSV 1 genital infection occurs rarely, which HSV 2, quite a bit more often.

If you get another pimple, have it swab tested for HSV right away.

Of the two scenarios which is more likely in your experience? I am really baffled by what is going on. 

Probably the second if it is herpes at all

Terri