My treatment for OCD is having ups and downs, when I travel for work I seem to have the hardest time, I feel a ton of guilt from sleeping with FSWs in the past and sometimes my demons from this get the better of me.  I have a simple question about Herpes.  I can never remember having an outbreak of genital herpes - no classic rash or anything that resembled it - no partner I ever had ever contacted me about anything.  I have two quick questions: (1) could it be possible for Herpes to stay in the body for 15-20 years and never have an outbreak? (2) could I still at some point or someone I slept with after this to have an outbreak this many years from my risk factors or is this very unlikely (3) Or is most likely that I never contracted herpes as I have never been tested bc I never had symptoms so I never felt the need to do it - none of my partners or my wife ever had symptoms - so is it most likely I never had them?  Thanks for all you do - you have helped me an incredible amount over the years.

It is possible that you could have herpes for years and not know it but that is clearly the exception to how genital HSV 2 infection behaves.  The average number of outbreaks a person with HSV 2 might have in a year is 2-4, with more in the beginning and less as times goes on.  You aren't reporting anything like that.---

Thanks for answering my question I really appreciate it - I used condoms 100% of the time for vaginal, 75%-80% f the time for oral. Three quick follow ups: (1) Since I have never had any outbreaks and since my partners never had any - do you think its highly unlikely that I would have a primary outbreak now, or any of my past partners could have a primary outbreak now after 10-20 years?  (2) Is there a very high probability I never had Herpes and this is just my OCD and guilt causing me to worry unnecessarily?  (3) When you state that herpes remaining dormant for years with no outbreaks is the exception - is exception like less than 1%, less than 5% - anything to quantify that even if its is a guess - I am mathematician and I think in those terms.  I am so thankful for what you do, all of you have helped me so much with my OCD and the guilt from mistakes made earlier in my life - thank you so much for what you do.

I don't think I ever had a cold sore, but maybe I have - certainly not anything in recent memory - just to add to the information - again thank you so much for answering my question - after my other questions below, I will let you get on with your day - also I would like to make a donation to ASHA to help support the work that you do - where should I send a check - to the NC address - and should I just make the check out to ASHA?  Thanks again

(1) Since I have never had any outbreaks and since my partners never had any - do you think its highly unlikely that I would have a primary outbreak now, or any of my past partners could have a primary outbreak now after 10-20 years?  ---

You are most welcome to send a check in support of ASHA.  It's an amazing group with a long history of dealing with sexual health issues.  Financial support would be greatly appreciated.