Early Exposure Test Result

So just last week I tested positive for HSV-2.  My wife just this morning did also.  Her doctor told her that the test showed early/recent exposure to the virus.  

My questions are: 1. What exactly is early/recent exposure when it comes to the test results.
                           2. I noticed my "first" outbreak last fall, but didn't know what it was since there were no lesions.  If that was my true first outbreak, could I have given it to her in the years before then?  Our do you have to have an outbreak to pass the virus?

Thank you in advance.  

[Julia30]

                If you had your first outbreak last fall, you could have had it for several years and just recently passed it on to your wife. You do not have to have any obvious symptoms in order to pass the virus. Just be thankful that you have each other. I imagine the worst part is having to tell a potential mate.
               Apparently, I have had it for several years without realizing it, until I gave it to my husband. When I saw a sore on his penis , I got tested. Sure enough , positive for HSV-2.
He says he has never had any symtom before. So I think it is safe to assume I had it first. I had had some irritation in the past (very mild. I thought from shaving), which I now realize was a herpes outbreak.
               Hope this is helpful.
Julia30
            

[gracefromHHP]

I can best help you if both you and your wife call and get your numeric results from the blood testing you had and post them here - ie hsv1 igg 4.5 and hsv2 igg 3.4 or whatever they are.  If it was igm testing your wife had done, it was inappropriate testing - http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/248394  is a terrific prior post by HHH on why it's a bad test ( this would be the test that showed + for "recent" exposure ).

Also I"m confused as to how you could have your first ob last fall but not have any lesions. What were your symptoms?

grace