Bend the rules

[peterjhn]

New girlfriend with HPV-1 and HPV-2.  I am negative for both.  I have read the Valtrex study.
Two part question, if you don't mind  What's the absolute risk of acquiring HPV per sexual episode  if someone is on suppressive therapy and we use a condom and what if I were also to take Valtrex for a few days prior and after our encounters?  I assume that would reduce the risk even further.  Oooops, one more thing.  She doesn't want to take continuous regiment, so how many days prior to our encounters should she start valtrex. (and me too for that matter?

I know the drug isn't indicated like this, but, common sense tells me it should work

Thanks alot.  

[worryman297]

Is someone workig on a prevention vaccine? That would make it so easy for couples and sexually active people. Then again it would he end of this forum lol I would miss it

[Fleetwood20]

HSV antivirals work by removing the building blocks for the virus to replicate. Hence they cannot prevent infection, just restrict replication if it happens. Hence there is no prevention benefit.

[La_Borboleta]

I found your question by searching out that very query. As a scientist with a lot of medical knowledge and just a bit of virology, I agree that it makes sense that a drug that reduces viral multiplication should help prevent replication in a new infection. I also agree with your suspicions as to the reason for the negative answer. I'm guessing there have been no studies to date addressing this question. I've also been around long enough to know that the definitive statement of today can easily become passe tomorrow.

[peterjhn]

Im going to have to play devil's advocate and challenge you on this.  Valcyclovir has been shown to significantly reduce aqquisition of CMV in heart recipients who are CMV negative.  Why do I keep pushing this.  Cause I see a paucity, if any recommendations for HSV negative people to prophylactically take Valcyclovir to prevent acquiring infection.  HMMMM?  And I think its only because that would be an off label use and people are cautious about off label recommendations :)

So you say it doesn't prevent acquisition, could you send me your resource.  I wish we could get a viralogist or other expert to pipe in here. Hey H.H.H....you out htere :)

[Life360_Dave]

Hi you dont have herpes there is no benifit. It does not prevent infection, it only aides in healing and helps keep the virus from multiplying. HSV is not HIV

[peterjhn]

I'm curious!  Why dont you think taking Valcyclovir would benefit me.  I know that  if someone gets a needle stick from an HIV infected individual it is wise to go on antivirals immediately.  In my mind, valcyclovir may prevent viral replication and prevent a primary infection?

What do you think?

[Life360_Dave]

Please make your own post.

[flori24]

hi there is anyone oot there can help me with this horrible condicin 4 years im sufering with burning in may penis i been tested more then 5 times the resoltse are all negative doctor say i dont have nothing but i know there is somthing on may tube and this is ruing may life im very strestet and im shame off this cos i can explaing to anybody i dont have any family members here i live alone and somtime i think ti kill may self plz anybody can help

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, her taking antivirals and also using condoms and with no obvious sores present, and considering the low rates of shedding, the odds of you contracting it is quite low but the true bottom line is that there will always be a risk and if contracting it. And if your mind is accepting of the fact that you could contract it some day, thats whats important.

Antivirals aide in reducing the herpes virus from mulitplying and aide in healing. If you dont have herpes it will not be any benifit to you.