Can you have HSV2 for 10 years and suddenly have a primary outbreak?

Is it possible to have had herpes (HSV2) for ten years and suddenly get a primary outbreak? I was raped 10 years ago and was tested extensively over a period of 2 years following for all std's including herpes. I tested negative every time and had no sexual partners until this month. I have never had any outbreaks, sores, lesions, blisters or any problem until now.

I am now in a new relationship and we began having sex two weeks ago. He says he is clean, never had any symptoms of herpes before, but I have developed HSV2 and have a rip roaring outbreak going on that is extremely painful.

I'm worried that it simply lay dormant in my system for 10 years with no primary outbreak and that there is a chance that I may have passed it on to my new partner. However, logic suggests that he may be the one that gave it to me, simply because this outbreak is so severe it has to be a primary one and the incubation period fits.

I really appreciate any insight into this problem.

[petal130]

I'm a bit confused - you say you "tested negative every time" yet you say you've had it for 10 years?? Unfortunately, whether you really even did get it 10 years ago is only as good as the test results - sometimes the wrong test is used, or a low positive comes back that needs further testing.  

How were you tested with this current outbreak - swab/culture?

I'd suggest both an IgG type specific test for you and your partner at this point.

As to your BF being "clean" - if he's never been tested, he has no way of truly knowing that. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men have genital herpes, of those 90% don't even know it.

[asker206]

Sorry for the confusion - i was asking if it was possible to have tested negative for it numerous times (igg blood tests), and somehow still have an outbreak ten years later? I would guess no, but i'm just really confused right now.

I was tested with swab/culture and still waiting for definitive results, but the doctor was 99% sure it was herpes and the sores/symptoms seem to indicate that it is.

Thank you for your help!

[petal130]

If you've tested negative from 10 years ago, over the period of two years (you only had to test up to 16 weeks after possible exposure, btw) then you're negative. The caveat being if you've had new sexual partners since then, and not tested since being with that new partner.

If that scenario is correct, consider yourself negative up to this new partner (or the last time you were tested). See what the swab/culture comes back as, and again be sure your partner is tested too with an IgG type specific blood test. Both people should make a point to know their STD/herpes status in a sexual relationship (in a perfect world...)

[asker206]

Thank you very much for helping, I really appreciate it. He's going in to get tested this week (and I'll make sure he gets the IgG test).

Thanks again!