Asking Partner to Take Valtrex

[WantstoKnow5]

New partner (male) has genital HSV-2 and I (female) do not, we have yet to have any sexual contact.  If I understand correctly there is an 8-10% chance of transmission if avoid sex during outbreak, 4-5% if use condoms or suppressive therapy, and 2-3% if use condoms and suppressive therapy.  We have already agreed that condoms would be a part of a sexual relationship (should the relationship reach that point).  He currently is not on any suppressive therapy and I read that Valtrex can reduce transmission chances by 75%, is that true?

Also, for those who have herpes, what do you think about me asking him to take Valtrex?  Is there a positive way to go about asking? I do NOT want to hurt him in any way in bringing it up.  If he does agree to take it, how long do we need to wait for it to take effect?

[bobdoll]

"A 75% chance of the infection being asymptomatic if you do contract it."

Hi, I just wanted to clarify this point because I don't see it mentioned much.  If somebody contracts HSV-2 from a partner who is on suppressive therapy, the chances of the infection being completely asymptomatic are 75% (as opposed to the typical rate of only 20%)?

[WantstoKnow5]

You are all fabulous for sharing your knowledge!

[gracefromHHP]

The 75% stat with suppressive therapy is a 75% reduction in symptomatic genital herpes infections.  It's an overall 50% reduction in transmission to a partner for hsv2.  A 75% chance of the infection being asymptomatic if you do contract it.  

All the numbers can get confusing which is why asking about them is often helpful like you've done :)

grace

[scared_half_to_death]

Another thought... Valtrex is expensive without insurance. Acyclovir is also effective and less expensive.

[waringblender]

Here's a thread you might want to read:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/369917

It's not unreasonable to ask your partner to use Valtrex or one of the other suppressive drugs. Just tell him that you would feel comfortable if he used it, and how does he feel about it? You can share the stats with him that you put up here. What are his experiences with suppression in the past? Has he already done it for other negative partners? Is he familiar with the medications at all? These are good questions to ask him to see where he is on all of this.  

You only need to wait 3-5 days for suppression to kick in. According to the doctor, the drug takes effect on day 1, but you can wait 3-5 days just to be sure.

The statistics you quoted are correct. I think you are getting at least 50% coverage with use of suppression, and I've seen all kinds of numbers ranging from 50-90%. I'd go with at least 50% decrease in transmission with suppressive medication. Add condoms to that, and your risk goes way down again.  I use suppression with every negative partner I have, both with condoms and without, and I've never passed it to anybody.