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Difficulty getting supressive HSV2 script w/o OB
A girl I am dating is HSV-2 positive (HSV-1 negative) per the LabCorp Igg test with a index of 6.99. I tested negative HSV-1/2 on the Igg test at the same time. We stopped all sexual activity and I was retested 12 weeks later, I remained negative. Based on history, we know she has had it for at least 1.5 years, possibly longer.
At this point I would like to resume sexual activity and we talked about her going on suppressive therapy. She has visited two doctors and both have refused to prescribe her anything. She has never had an outbreak. The last doctor told her that unless she starts having outbreaks there is no reason for her to be on anything. He told her she should consider that she "doesn't have it" and "only tested positive to it". I believe she is telling the truth about what the doctors are telling her, but I know that she can still be asymptomatically shedding.
Bottom line, she is not really enthusiastic about going to another doctor and asking again. Is this normal? Should she be having difficulty getting suppressive drugs? She is going to a normal PCP, is there a particular type of specialist that she might have better luck with? Is there something specific she should tell them or ask for?
Any advice would be appreciated!
At this point I would like to resume sexual activity and we talked about her going on suppressive therapy. She has visited two doctors and both have refused to prescribe her anything. She has never had an outbreak. The last doctor told her that unless she starts having outbreaks there is no reason for her to be on anything. He told her she should consider that she "doesn't have it" and "only tested positive to it". I believe she is telling the truth about what the doctors are telling her, but I know that she can still be asymptomatically shedding.
Bottom line, she is not really enthusiastic about going to another doctor and asking again. Is this normal? Should she be having difficulty getting suppressive drugs? She is going to a normal PCP, is there a particular type of specialist that she might have better luck with? Is there something specific she should tell them or ask for?
Any advice would be appreciated!
I am sure this is very frustrating for you both :( With what we know currently about genital herpes, providers not prescribing daily suppressive therapy when asked for it is inexcusable!!
I also suggest that she try another provider. If there is a planned parenthood in your area, they usually are good about prescribing it. Another option is for her to print out the NEJM article on valtrex reducing transmission to a partner and take it to her doctor. As someone who has lived with genital herpes for most of her life, I know personally how the peace of mind of being on it can help you have a "normal" sex life as well as protect a partner! Knowing you are actively doing something to protect a partner really helps even if you aren't having noticeable recurrences.
Until then, keep in mind that just avoiding sex any time she has anything going on genitally makes you 96% likely each year NOT to contract hsv2 from her. That along with condoms is very good protection. You really should be more surprised if you do contract hsv2 from this partner than if you don't even without suppressive therapy for her.
grace
I also suggest that she try another provider. If there is a planned parenthood in your area, they usually are good about prescribing it. Another option is for her to print out the NEJM article on valtrex reducing transmission to a partner and take it to her doctor. As someone who has lived with genital herpes for most of her life, I know personally how the peace of mind of being on it can help you have a "normal" sex life as well as protect a partner! Knowing you are actively doing something to protect a partner really helps even if you aren't having noticeable recurrences.
Until then, keep in mind that just avoiding sex any time she has anything going on genitally makes you 96% likely each year NOT to contract hsv2 from her. That along with condoms is very good protection. You really should be more surprised if you do contract hsv2 from this partner than if you don't even without suppressive therapy for her.
grace
Hi, the way most contract genital hsv2 is when they think they are not having an outbreak. Outbreaks can be so subtle that they think an irritation is something else or dont realize they are having one. You correct that shedding does occur and considering percentages its about 15% of the time which is not that low.
Taking suppreseive meds does inhibit the virus from mulitplying so you are correct that her taking them might not be a bad idea. I would suggest seeing another doctor who is familar with herpes as her doc that said to consider her as she dosenot have it is far from correct.
Taking suppreseive meds does inhibit the virus from mulitplying so you are correct that her taking them might not be a bad idea. I would suggest seeing another doctor who is familar with herpes as her doc that said to consider her as she dosenot have it is far from correct.
Sorry to hear you stopped sex for so long -- that must have been difficult. Frankly, I would not have advised it, and I'm happy to hear you're planning to get back to business!
It is surprising nobody will prescribe suppressive therapy for your partner. Her doctors must be pretty naive about genital herpes and HSV2 management. I would urge you and her to continue to look for an understanding doctor or clinic. A infectious diseases specialist would be a good bet. Or contact Westover Heights Clinic, the home base of Terri Warren of the herpes expert forum, who gave you helpful advice in the past. WHC often provides long distance herpes care. I don't know if they are in a position to prescribe treatment in this situation, but it's worth a shot -- and if nothing else they may recommend a provider in your area.
Please return with follow-up comments to let us know how it all shakes out! Good luck.
It is surprising nobody will prescribe suppressive therapy for your partner. Her doctors must be pretty naive about genital herpes and HSV2 management. I would urge you and her to continue to look for an understanding doctor or clinic. A infectious diseases specialist would be a good bet. Or contact Westover Heights Clinic, the home base of Terri Warren of the herpes expert forum, who gave you helpful advice in the past. WHC often provides long distance herpes care. I don't know if they are in a position to prescribe treatment in this situation, but it's worth a shot -- and if nothing else they may recommend a provider in your area.
Please return with follow-up comments to let us know how it all shakes out! Good luck.
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
