oral sex with Herpes

[barenaklad]

I have started a relationship with a woman and we have are disucssing having sex.  She told me that she has genital herpes and that she has 3-4 outbreaks a year and is on a daily dose of valtrex and to take that into consideration going forward.  I still want to continue this relationship and have done some initial research and am not scared off but am aware that we have to be careful and aware, which is fine with me.  The question I have is about oral sex.  I really enjoy giving oral sex to my woman and want to be able to do this with her.  I want to know what is my risk when she is not presenting any symptoms?  From all of my research it seems that sexual intercourse and activity is realtively safe when she is not having any symptoms or shedding.  
Also, what else can I do for protection during oral sex?  Thanks.  

[waringblender]

Yes.

[tes77]

Thanks for the answer. I've been wondering what the risk would be for a couple who just using Valtrex as a precaution should they decide to stop using condoms at some point. Sounds pretty low. Am I correct in saying that using both Valtrex and condoms brings the transmission risk closer to 1%?

[waringblender]

Just with Valtrex.

[tes77]

Is that a 2% transmission risk with just the daily Valtrex or does that % reflect suppressive therapy coupled with condom usage?

[barenaklad]

Thanks for the advice!!  We talked about it last night which led to a nice, long, sensuous experience for both of us!   I have never used a site like this but this is a great place to go to get (and hopefully give) decent advice.  I will be coming back with future questions and comments.  Thanks again.

[auntiejessi]

LOL you got me.  :P

Aj

[slacker101]

So at 2% a year you will definitely be positive in 50 years right? haha. As long as she has no symptoms and she is on Valtrex you will be fine. I think it is a 1.988883 chance Aunt Jessie, no quite 2%.. Just teasing

[auntiejessi]

Oh and her getting obs while on valtrex doesn't increase your risk.  Taking the higher dose of valtrex is really for her comfort.

Aj

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

Oral hsv2 is rare, so you really just need to avoid oral sex if she has symptoms.

Since she is on valtrex, your chances of getting hsv2 genitally are about 2% a year if you avoid sex during symptoms.  That's a 98% chance that you wouldn't get it.

If she is still getting 3-4 outbreaks a year on valtrex, she might consider increasing her dose from 500 mg once a day to either 1gm once a day or 500 mg twice a day.

Aj