[Question #1461] Again with The "Herpes?"

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96 months ago
Out of curiosity, I am just wondering is it possible to have a full blown primary outbreak of HSV-2 years after being infected? If you have previously shown no symptoms, would that be possible? Again, I am a virgin, who only had mild sexual contact years ago (dry rubbing and oral) but am just now showing signs of what could be HSV. And I've went through numerous experiences in those years (stress, alcohol abuse, etc) that should have triggered an outbreak. I already have a suppressed immune system. Why now? Or rather, could it be now? 
Everything I have read has said that the first outbreak usually happens within 14 days of infection. However, some people take 'years' for symptoms to show. 'Symptoms'.....meaning....? Is it possible for me to now be experiencing my first real outbreak, or is this just another infection.
(As previously stated, a rash with white bumps that burst on my ass and vaginal pain) I do trust the answer here I was given, but am still curious and concerned. 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
95 months ago
It is possible that you could have acquired herpes and didn't notice or have symptoms until years later, yes, though that it not the usual situation.  If you have never had intercourse but have received oral sex, infection is possible but unlikely.  Why is your immune system suppressed? 
Have you had someone evaluate this rash with bumps?  Are they water blisters?

Terri
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95 months ago
I have not been able to have them looked at it by a doctor, as I cannot manage to get into my OB/GYN during working hours. The only appointment I could possibly make would be in the next three weeks, and everything has pretty much faded by now. My mother examined the area (not something I should probably admit on the internet) and said it looked like nothing. I would not say they were water blisters. Pus blisters, perhaps would be the more accurate way to describe them. (Disgusting I know). I wouldn't say they 'ulcered' but I would say they popped and then left after a couple of days. My immune system is so suppressed really just because it always have been. I have been on a lot of steroidal medication, due to my eczema and psoriasis, and well, I'm not really sure why, doctors have always just said 'you have a very suppressed immune system'.  As it turns out though, I did indeed have a PCR Culture a while back, when an allergic reaction to some fabric irritated my vagina, and everything turned out fine. Meaning negative. Should I just trust that? Or am I being over paranoid/over confident here? 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
95 months ago
I had to say you are paranoid but perhaps overworried?  Herpes isn't as easy to transit as some people might think, honestly.  I mean if an infected male can have sex with an uninfected female, no condoms, no medication, having sex twice per week and only 10 women out of 100 will get infected in a year, that's not so easy to transmit, right? 
I don't believe it is at all likely that you have herpes.  Especially since you had a negative PCR. 
All the best
Terri
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95 months ago
I never responded to this but thank you so much! I appreciate your response Nurse Warren. You are truly helpful and kind! 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
95 months ago
thank you very much.  I see there is a typo in my earlier response - I mean to say "hate" instead of "had" to say you are paranoid - and you still wrote me a nice note - you must have been reading my mind!

Terri
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