Q herpes

If I have a genetal herpes and my partner doesn't, i do want to keep it that way. By taking valtrex it doesn't 100% prevent the transmission, so they say we have to use condoms, which we don't prefer. So, my Question is how effective the Valtrex is and do you have anything else to recommend to prevent transmission without using condoms. Thanks.

[ladyinwhite]

HSV can be passed on when a person has the virus present on the skin or mucus membrane and another person makes direct skin-to-skin contact with the live virus.

always using condoms may possibly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus at these times. it may reduce the risk of transmitting but not totally to prevent it. however, condoms do not guarantee safety, the herpes sore or lesion is not always located in an area covered by the condom.

but here are some steps to greatly reduce the risk of infection:

1. tell your partner. it is important to understand what herpes is; how it can be prevented; which precautions are best; what are the social and emotional impacts of herpes. Try to avoid any sexual contact if you are infected (abstinence)

2. avoid sex during outbreaks as herpes is most contagious during this time. however, some couples have sexual relationships for years without transmitting herpes, just by avoiding sexual contact when symptoms are present.

3. limit the number of sexual partners.

about the valtrex, make sure you follow the instructions on how to take it, and then you'll be outbreak-free. make sure ur not allergic with it and you seek a medical advice from a healthcare provider.

[petal130]

You may want to read about viral shedding as well. One does not have to have symptoms to transmit the herpes virus. Hence having sex when there are no symptoms does not guarantee that the virus will not be transmitted. I contracted HSV-1 genital herpes this way from my partner who has oral HSV-1. He never had symptoms in the 5 years that we've been together, but still transmitted it to me through oral sex.

Also, abstinence is really an extreme, unnecessary choice with herpes. Having a sexual relationship with your partner is a very intimate, special thing. Aside from refraining during an outbreak, and deciding on condoms/suppressive therapy perhaps there's no reason you can't have an active, healthy sex life.

[gracefromHHP]

The rate of transmission on average from hsv2+ female to hsv2- male is 4%/year if you do nothing but avoid sex during any obvious genital symptoms.  If you take daily suppressive therapy with valtrex it reduces the odds of transmission by half to 2%.  Throw in condom use too and it's a 1% risk/year on average. Either with or without condoms, odds will always be high that your partner won't contract hsv2 from you as long as you always avoid sex anytime you have anything going on down yonder.  



grace