So confused

I was only told that the swab tested positive for genital herpes. but I know that I can have HSV-1 on my genitals. 

I'm also wondering, does herpes always cause an outbreak when you contract it? Mainly I am wondering if I need to tell my past partner, who I have not been with for at least 3 months if not more. Is there a chance I got it from him and didn't have an outbreak until now? I don't know if that is possible or not. 

How soon after your last sexual encounter did you have an outbreak?

I got the first bump the following day, and then was dumb and thought it was razor burn so I had another sexual encounter and then more bumps later that night. I didn't go to the doctor for another few days after that when she did the tests. 

I think I have type one on my genitals. but I don't know because the doctor didn't say much. 

There isn't much difference between type 1 and type 2 from what I've read online.

And yea I know. It is what it is and I can handle it. I'm just trying to understand everything. 

Call up the clinic and simply ask them to clarify your results. If the swab was type-specific, which I hope it was, then they should be able to tell you the type. And there is a *big* difference between the the two HSV types, btw. Not in how they look, but in every other way. Most Type 2 carriers would much rather have Type 1, believe me!

I'm pretty sure the swab was not type specific, if that is possible. The nurse just told me that I have genital herpes. But it can't be type 2 (I think?) since my partner's tests came back as having only type 1 positive.

I just read an article saying that you can contract herpes but not have symptoms for months or years. Is it possible I got this from an earlier partner and just had symptoms with this partner? How do I know if I need to contact the earlier partner or not..

Herpes can totally spread without symptoms or an outbreak. In fact, that is the main way It's spread! Some doctors are not up to date. That was the old belief, that herpes can only spread during an outbreak, but it's since been confirmed that that's no longer the case.

Ok, so how do people know how many previous partners to tell they should get tested? 

Depends on the swab test. Many are type-specific. I would call the clinic to verify anyway. Was your blood test IgG?

I have no idea. 

Since your blood tests are type-specific, I'm assuming it was by IgG. If so, then that is reliable and, together with a positive swab, it would indicate a new infection, so most likely from your current partner. He could have given it to you via oral sex, which is the most common way to acquire hsv1, which he already has. I don't think you need to look or disclose any further back. However, I would clarify the tests done and your results, ask for copies even, as some tests are more reliable than others, etc., and not all doctors are aware. When you have that info, post back here.

Thank you.

I know im jumping in randomly here, but i have type 1 in my genital area, so what is the difference between the two when it comes to the genital area?

Even the lab person when she called to inform me ny results where positive for herpes, said " the good news is its type 1" im just wondering what the major differences are.

First, Type 2 is the true STD of the two, so carries more stigma (Type 1 is essentially oral). Second, it tends to recur and shed much more frequently than Type 1, so is more troublesome and infectious. Third, Type 2 is associated with an increased risk of acquiring HIV if exposed, even without lesions, plus other possible risks and complications. Exceptions exist, and some with Type 1 do have frequent outbreaks, and lesions (which may be internal and not obvious) always pose an increased risk for other STDs, but generally Type 1 is "better" for most people.

Thanks! I just googled some additional info.

There def. Are differnces between the two, well at least when they arent in their "site" of preference.

Exactly! Site of preference makes a notable difference.

Hi. I haven't had any outbreaks beyond the initial one 6 months ago. Since then, I have been rimmed from the same guy that passed hsv to me. He hasn't had any outbreaks. I just noticed a white bump near my anus that hurts when touched. It looks like a whitehead to me. Is there any chance that's hsv? I'm kinda freaking out.

Could be, but might not be. People with herpes also get regular bumps and itches down below that aren't due to herpes, which just adds to the confusion. If the bump breaks and becomes a small sore, then I think you can assume it's herpes. If it just goes down, then probably not.