For the second Time I Have A Cold Sore On My Penis

[gj2355]

It's a little sore for the two or three millimetres of the sore. Apart from that I've had no other symptoms.

I haven't had oral or penetrative sex for 18 months. Could it be this long before symptoms of genital herpes appear, if this is what it is?

[kerryblue Administrator]

hi

it does sound like it could be genital herpes, and it can take a while for the ulcers to appear, although it sounds like you have had them before. People can carry the herpes virus (HSV) without even knowing they have got it and unfortunately can pass it on. When you have the sores you are more likely to pass it on. condoms do help prevent/protect against transmission. I would certainly go to your local sexual health clinic as they should be able to swab it and see what is causing the sore. It would be good also to get checked out for other stis while you are there and just make sure there is nothing else going on.