transmission rates & resources

I have been living with HSV-2 for approx. 2 1/2 yrs. I have been dating a man for approx. 2 months now (I am female). We are getting to know each other slowly and have not been sexual yet, just heavy kissing. I'm trying to decide when would be the best time to disclose my status as we work together and the situation could potentially be awkward. Certainly I will before it becomes sexual. So, I would like to provide him with stats on transmission rates. I have read different numbers in different places and hoped you could clear it up for me as well as provide me with the name of the resources/studies where the stats came from so he can look them up. It would be helpful if there were any written in layman's terms. In particular, I was wondering about transmission rates with just condoms alone as well as suppressive therapy without the use of condoms. Also, is it right to tell him that these rates are comparable to the rates of not getting pregnant while on the bc pill? Also, what would be the best sites for him to look up to gain information about the virus that is accurate, yet not scary. Thank you for your help.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You could use the ASHA website, ashastd.org.  Also, the statistics are quoted in my book, the Good News about the Bad News, which you can purchase on Amazon for about 12 dollars.  With condoms and suppression, the rate is about 1-2%.  With suppression alone, about 2%.  The rates of getting pregnant with is less than that, they are not the same percentage.  

You can also look up articles on PubMed.  This has medical articles, but summaries that are readable by others as well.  Also, the Updated Herpes Handbook at westoverheights.com will provide information.  Its free and I hope, useful.  This booklet and my book both spend time talking about when and how to tell prospective partners.  I hope you will read them and have them available for your partner to take home and read.  Also I would strongly recommend that he get tested.  He could be infected and not know it.

Terri

[tes77]

Thank you so much for the information and resources. So you are saying that the stats and the studies that they came from are listed on the ASHA website, your book and articles on PubMed? I'm just thinking that if I were given stats by someone, I would want to know where they came from. So the risk of him actually getting HSV-2 are pretty low if all the precautions are followed? Also, could you tell me what the risk of him acquiring HSV-2 by giving oral sex would be? Is it a low percentage? Thank you for your time.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You can certainly do the research on these numbers yourself by looking up the individual studies on PubMed.  It is available to anyone, in summary of articles.  

Are you asking about the risk of him acquiring HSV 2 by giving you oral sex?  We don't have those number, and there is no risk of him getting HSV 2 by you giving him oral sex.

Terri

[tes77]

Thank you so much for your last answer. I have read that it is rarw to acquire HSV2 orally. Is that accurate? Also, in your experience, is it possible for most discordant couples to remain that way given that way? I truly appreciate your help as I am finding the prospect of disclosing to this particular partner very anxiety provoking even though I feel like I have read everything available on the subject.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

It is rare to acquire HSV 2 orally, but it happens from time to time.  It is certainly possible for discordant couples to remain that way, yes, for many years.  I understand you are anxious about disclosing, most people are, but you are on the right track and have done your homework.  Please, let me know how it goes, OK?
Terri

[yme6725]

Hello!I don't know exactly who I am writing to but I guess it was a doctor who was replying to the forums who seemed to answer and know a lot of details to help people out with their questions.I have recently tested positive for HSV-2 and I've only had 1 bump during the first signs of being infected in Feb 2010&about 5 bumps the second time about a week ago after being highly stressed and drinking lots of alcohol within the past few months.My first question is when do viral shedding normal begin and end in reference to your outbreaks?...I guess in reading the forums, most of my questions have been answered...I'm wondering if I should continue taking Acyclovir to keep viral shedding down and less chances of spreading this to my partner, but I really need to know what are the chances of spreading this through oral sex based on the healing of your outbreaks?

[yme6725]

Hello!I don't know exactly who I am writing to but I guess it was a doctor who was replying to the forums who seemed to answer and know a lot of details to help people out with their questions.I have recently tested positive for HSV-2 and I've only had 1 bump during the first signs of being infected in Feb 2010&about 5 bumps the second time about a week ago after being highly stressed and drinking lots of alcohol within the past few months.My first question is when do viral shedding normal begin and end in reference to your outbreaks?...I guess in reading the forums, most of my questions have been answered...I'm wondering if I should continue taking Acyclovir to keep viral shedding down and less chances of spreading this to my partner, but I really need to know what are the chances of spreading this through oral sex based on the healing of your outbreaks?

[wdj1955]

Once a year maybe I get herpes on my thigh or butt.  Does this mean if I got tested I would come up positive for an STD?  Also can I spread this virus even if i dont have a flair up.  Was told that  it is contagious even if they arent active???
Reallly need to know..........so concerned it is all i think about.