transmittance of Oral HSV-2

I tested positive for oral HSV-2 about 4 months ago. I haven't had any sores or anything to show I've been infected except for swollen tonsils. I've been given the impression that oral to genital transmission is quite likely since HSV-2 prefers to infect the genitals as opposed to the mouth. However, I've also read that viral shedding is quite small for oral HSV-2 since its not in the area it wants to be. I've also read that viral shedding is most prominent in the first 2 years of infection. If I wait 2 years before performing oral sex, and take valtrex daily, how likely would oral to genital transmission be? I don't want to put anyone at risk.

[gracefromHHP]

how did they diagnose you as having hsv2 orally?

[rjs88]

My doctor swabbed the back of my throat/tongue, and about a week later she told me she detected HSV2. My tonsils were very swollen, and still a bit swollen now.

[gracefromHHP]

do you have a regular partner?  if so have they been tested for hsv2 too?

did you only have oral sex with the partner prior to your symptoms or did you also have genital sex?

grace

[rjs88]

It was from sleeping with a friend. It was my first and only time. I developed symptoms and went to the doctor and HSV2 was detected genitally and orally. The friend then went and got tested and was positive.

[rjs88]

(They had it with out knowing)

[gracefromHHP]

so  you had genital lesions also?

Oral hsv2 doesn't shed very often and doesn't reocur very often either. It sheds like 1% of days on average.  You could transmit it thru oral sex but odds are you won't. if you have a hsv2- partner, consider daily suppressive therapy with valtrex to reduce overall shedding and protect your partner.

grace

[rjs88]

Thank you Grace. I'm currently taking Valtrex daily. Medicare in australia is quite good so it only costs me $5 a month to take it every day. I'll still wait 2 years before having sex again to be safe.

[gracefromHHP]

Oh good grief no reason to wait 2 years!!  You are reducing shedding by 80-90% on suppressive therapy.

grace