Questions about HSV2 - GF has it

My girlfriend has hsv2 and it hasn't been in an issue in our 8 month relationship. I just tested negative still on my last test. This was just out of curiosity. I've been reading a lot on the subject to stay educated. I just have a few questions that I can't seem to get an answer on...

I'll say also that we use condoms every time and she has been on 1000mg valtrex since her first OB - she's never had another OB and has had it for four years (her first relationship is when she got it)

Is the likeliness of transmitting HSV1 on your lips the same as HSV2 genitally? If they're the same why is that for hsv2 such precautions are necessary, but rarely any are taken for cold sores? I went 19 years without having hsv1 until I tested positive last year (I had tested negative for both prior) and I'm sure I came in contact with hsv1 more than that. Just seems transmission isn't as likely as we think.

Second question: I know with the precautions we take, the chance of me contracting it is roughly 1% per year having sex 2 times per week. Does this percentage compound each year we're together? Meaning 2nd year a 2% chance etc..

I read a comment from one of the doctors saying that half of couples eventually share the infection, but a 1-2% seems so unlikely with precautions. A 1-2% per sexual encounter would be extremely low, so stretching that out over a year seems even more unlikely. Am I understanding this too lightly? Or is it easier to transmit then I think

[petal130]

It's a shame you seem so worried about this in your relationship. You are doing all the right things and the risk is very low.

I have no idea which doctor comment you are referring to, as to "half of couples eventually sharing it" (still pretty darn good odds if true). Hard to comment on it myself without reading it verbatim, and who stated it.

No, the ~1% risk of transmission is annual, period. It doesn't increase every year.

There are no stats for HSV1 transmission. In adults, HSV1 is transmitted through passionate kissing. As to precautions for HSV1 transmission, well there's not too many work-arounds for kissing someone, aside from abstaining (which surely isn't worth it as kissing is too wonderful!) With genital herpes, there are ways to reduce the risk of transmission that are easy to do: condoms and suppressive therapy. Makes sense to take those precautions, who wants genital herpes?

[lving4today]

Alright awesome, do you have it yourself? I've tried looking up information on discordant couples and how common it is, but couldn't seem to find anything. Regardless, I won't let it interfere with anything.

[petal130]

I do, although I have genital HSV1, which sheds a bit less and causes less outbreaks in general. Never an issue with my negative or positive partners :-)  By my age (40's), it clearly loses it's impact of what's important in a relationship. If only all the other baggage that can come with someone was as easy to manage as herpes!

Good that you aren't letting it interfere, and being educated is key, which is what you're doing.