HSV1 and lots of questions

Hi there. I'm sorry to hear of your divorce. I have read that talking Valtrex as suppressive therapy reduces the risk of passing it to a partner by 48%. I'm not sure about the transmission questions regarding oral, but there are alot of informed people here who I'm sure will give you more information. Google has been a great resource, as well.

Hi. I personally have have had HSV-2 for 10'years. I take Valtrex. I have always used protection since I found out. I was unfortunate that I got it from an evil human being who knew he had genital herpes but failed to be honest with me. So I learned the hard way. As I understand shedding can spread it. But on the other hand someone 20 years older than me had told me that if your not having a breakout you're fine. I personally don't take that risk and I'm a single 39 year old. So I would discuss it with your doctor nd just use that knowledge. Bottom line it's always a risk no matter what without a condom. If one has an oral breakout, obviously abstain from oral.

Valtrex reduces both outbreaks and asymptomatic shedding. That's the whole point of any of the HSV antiviral meds. The meds work on HSV-1 and HSV-2, but are not considered necessary for Type 1 ona daily basis, since Type 1 does not outbreak or shed much genitally.

You can only pass Type 1 orally if you it orally. Without an outbreak there ever, it seems unlikely you have oral herpes. If he gives you sex oral sex and gets it, yes, he'd acquire it orally.

There are no studies regarding transmission and purely oral sex or even HSV-1. Studies on general sexual relations in HSV-2 discordant couples show that Valtrex reduces transmission by almost 50%. Condoms also have a 50% reduction rate (some say only 30%). Female to male transmission when only outbreaks are avoided is 4% per *year* (not per sex act), plus condoms 2%, plus condoms and meds 1%.

These stats are for Type 2. Type 1 would be much lower. Bare in mind, however, that the couples studied were established, monogamous and heterosexual couples. New infections, new relationships and other factors will increase the odds.

Thanks for your replies!!

I also have some issues with the skin between the vagina and anus that seems really thin and almost sometimes tears or cracks. Is this part of HSV? They don't look like blisters.

I mean I have had hsv for 16 yrs and never had many issues but since I went on Valtrex two weeks ago for suppressive therapy I have had a lot of itching and lesions. I thought Valtrex was suppose to prevent it!!

Thanks for the information! I think I just wanted to be on it for more protection. I know that I haven't had bad ob's that other people have to go thru but I do suffer from itching, burning, and what look like cuts or tears from time to time. Just want to be careful! Thanks!!