Transmitting herpes type 2

I was infected with gential (genital) herpes type 2 a year ago. I have never had an outbreak since. My only outbreak was very light. I had no burning sensation, no tingling, no discharge, and no pain at all just 5 bumps on my penis. I got tested and it came back type 2. I have been currently taking the valtrex every mourning for the last year. I am with a girl now and was wondering what you think the percentage is of transferring it to her using no condom or protection without an active outbreak present. 80%? 90%? Appreciate the help, thanks!

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Transmission of HSV-2 to a sex partner can occur in the absence of symptoms or a noticeable lesion. About 55% of people with HSV-2 shed virus in the absence of symptoms.

Daily antiviral therapy has been shown to reduce reactivation rates of HSV-2 and to reduce the risk for HSV-2 transmission to uninfected partners by 50%.

Transmission from an infected male to his female partner is more likely than from an infected female to her male partner.

Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce HSV-2 transmission.

CDC website is very informative about genital herpes and statistics related to transmissibility:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/default.htm#stat.

Yours in Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic

[foreverafraid]

Why don't people answer these questions???  Sounds like you are taking the proper steps to prevent transferring HPV2.  I would say the chances are around 90% per my urologist.  i wish a doctor could clarify.

It's concerning to hear you say that you take valtrex, yet you still have 5 bumps on your penis.  How come these bumps aren't going away?

Does your penis and scrotum appear to have goose bumps all over?  Mine does

[justin16]

The bumps went away after I took the valtrex. The 5 bumps were my initial outbreak and they went away as soon as I took the valtrex. I haven't had any outbreaks since. Every thing else on me looks just the same as it always has. have you had any experience with unprotected sex since you have been infected?

[foreverafraid]

Absolutely not!  Once I'm ready to get serious again I'll probably have my girl take a visit with me to a doctor/urologist to answer any/all questions.  

Apparently, I contracted GH at some point before my last relationship. My gf at the time never contracted HPV2 despite all the unprotected sex. When we broke up I contracted another strand of HPV that has given me the goose bumps appearance.  Granted it's only obvious close up but its such a drag.  

I definitely would never recommend using unprotected sex unless you are extremely serious.  Valtrex may prevent outbreaks but does NOT prevent spreading the disease.   Think about how this has effected your life.  I would suggest wearing protection...Don't roll the dice.  

Question: Taking Valtrex for 2 years huh.  I'm completely against using prescription drugs as I don't have much faith in drugs companies and the health factor of the long term effects.  Is Valtrex really helping?  How many partners have you had since your initial outbreak and have any contracted the disease (granted that you've told them).  Personally it's so hard to tell people b/c this is the ultimate skeleton in my closet.  I've had 3 partners since my initial outbreak and only spread to one girl, but she may have already had it?  I was honest with all prior to having protected sex.

[justin16]

I have had sexual encounters with 4 girls since being infected. I used protection every time and it has not spread to any of them to my knowledge. The valtrex seems to help. I have not had an outbreak since taking it. thats amazing you never gave it to your girlfriend after being infected and having numerous sex unprotected. Were you having an outbreak when you gave it to your last girlfriend?