Doctor advice on risk

[Tarses25]

My girlfriend and I both recently had IGG tests for Herpes. I was HSV-1 positive, HSV-2 Negative.  She was HSV-1 Negative but HSV-2 Positive.  She was surprised by this because she claims that she's never had any symptoms or noticeable outbreak of genital herpes. Totally asymptomatic and has no idea how long she may have had this viris.

So I, of course did some research.. I have read lots of varying statistics online about risk of transmission from her to me. I have seen numbers as low as 4% chance over the course of a year  if the only thing we do is avoid contact when there is any sign of an outbreak. I also went to my PCP, who surprised me by telling me that while there is a risk, it is very low as long as we are very careful.   Even in light of the possibility of asymptomatic shedding.  The analogy he used was that, we all run the risk of being struck by lightning, and if we stay inside during a thunder storm, we are typically safe. If, on the other hand we choose to stand on a golf course waving a 9 iron during that storm the risk changes drastically. In other words, he's saying that I do have some risk, but it is low if we use caution.

My question is, what statistical number can I look to to ease my mind somewhat?  Is mu risk of contracting HSV-2 from her  4%, 8% 10% ?  I'm not sure I can accept a risk level much higher than that. Thanks

[Tarses25]

I agree.  I think the analogy was more designed to communicate that when a risk is higher (during a thunderstorm or an outbreak) you take different precautions than you need to otherwise.

Thanks for the feedback. 4% doesn't scare me so much. I think she's concerned about taking the anti-virals due to side effects, but I would sure like to enjoy that additional benefit. She wants to try Lysine because it's natural.  Any thoughts on efficacy of supplements?

My only other concern is that she honestly doesn't recall ever having an outbreak (her IGG test value was > 5.0 though) . So she may not know how to recognize an outbreak or early onset phase.

Thanks

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I doubt that the risk of being struck by lightening is 4%, don't you agree?  That is the approximate risk if you avoid sex with outbreaks, you know she has herpes, she doesn't take antiviral therapy and you use condoms infrequently.  If she takes antiviral therapy daily, your risk comes far closer to 2%.  A few thoughts:  I would check the numeric value of her HSV 2 positive antibody test to be certain it is greater than 3.5 and doesn't need confirmation.  If is lower than 3.5, I would recommend confirmation testing.  

If you have sex with someone who knows they have genital herpes, you have a far lower chance of getting herpes than if you have sex with someone who has herpes and doesn't know it.  Food for thought!

Terri