What do I consider the first day of a genital herpes outbreak?

I experienced some itching/ discomfort last Sunday. The swelling, sores, burning and itching crept up on Tuesday. What should I consider the first day of the outbreak (not that i'm counting the minutes or anything...sigh)? Also, I've had a sore down there before, but no itching, burning pain and discomfort. NOTHING like this. I've been in a monogymous relationship for 2 years, but before that I wasn't always so careful (shame on me). Can a herpes outbreak take so long to show up? THANKS!!!!

i would think that as soon as u notice symptoms. the symptoms are part of the outbreak and u are also contagious when u have symptoms. i'm in a monogomus relationship for almost 3 years and 1 1/2 years into it my bf gave me herpes that he didn't even know he had. o
outbreaks can take anywhere from a 1-2 weeks from start to finish but if u are getting symptoms i would say sometime within the next 2-5 days but outbreaks are different for everybody. some people only experience mild symptoms without having the full outbreak while other have the whole thing.
herpes can lie dormant for years once contracted but usually people experience outbreaks within 2-30 days of being with a person who has herpes.

Different people have different symtoms - and they change over time.

Sometimes, I'll get EVERY indication that I've got an outbreak coming on - but it never comes. Is that an outbreak? Gosh, I don't know. Othertimes, it will sort of get worse and better and worse and better over the course of a week or ten days before it goes away. Is that one outbreak? Three? Who knows?

I wouldn't worry about it. Never have sex when you have ANY of these symtoms. Gobble up antivirals when you feel ANYTHING coming on. And always be honest with your lovers (to protect them).

Wish I had more definitive info for you. Good luck.