HSV2 Numbers

[pastmistakes]

So I have spent the last 2 days reading al sorts of information on transmision of HSV2. One of the peices of information I found on this site is quoted below.

"50% is the minimum effectiveness of antiviral therapy; it's probably closer to 70-80%.  (The research study was biased toward underestimating the real level of protection.)  And condoms are also more effective than 50%, maybe 90% or higher.  Most couples discordant for HSV-2 who avoid sex when symptomatic, use condoms consistently, and take antiviral therapy probably can expect to have sex many years, perhaps indefinitely, without much chance of transmission."

So here are my lingering questions:

1- lets say that I am using an antiviral such as a generic form of valtrex
2- I am also using condoms EVERY TIME! Not just "mostly always" like in some of the valtrex studies.

From the figures what is the percentage chance that I will be able to transmit HSV 2 to my partner who is not infected? For instance. Proper useage of Birth control (The Pill) provides a 99.9% probability that a person would not get pregnant.

With the proper usage of Valtrex and condoms along with not having sexual encounters durring an outbreak (until it is completely healed) What is the probability that I will NOT transfer HSV 2?

Thank you in advance

[gracefromHHP]

I'm not actually sure what you are asking.  Also transmission risk differs according to gender. http://www.westoverheights.com/genital_herpes/handbook/view_the_chapters/transmission.html  I think has the info you are looking for.

grace

[pastmistakes]

Thank you for your responce. I have looked at the link you provided yet my question is still looming. Maybe I can rephrase it and keep it short.

With the proper usage of Valtrex (or a generic form) and the use of a condom AT ALL TIMES to include abstinence at the onset of an outbreak through until healing is complete. What is the percentage rate at which a female would NOT contract hsv2 from an infected male partner?

basically I want to know the effectiveness (in a percentage) of valtrex+condom at preventing the spread of hsv2 if intercourse is abstained from at the first signs of an outbreak through the complete healing cycle of that outbreak.

Thanks

  

[gracefromHHP]

Well exactly what you are asking is in that section of the handbook I suggested but I"ll make it plainer for you.

If the male is hsv2+ and the female isn't - if you do nothing but avoid sex whenever the male has obvious genital lesions - the female has a risk of about 8-10% each year of contracting hsv2. If the male is on daily suppressive therapy the risk is cut in half which makes it about 4-5% each year.  If you throw in condoms along with all that it's a 2-3% risk each year of contracting hsv2 from the male.  This info only applies to valtrex, not to acyclovir or famvir ( valtrex is not yet available in most countries as a generic - only in india and it can't be legally sold outside of india ).  They have not studied this ( and published it ) in the other 2 herpes antivirals to compare them.

The effectiveness of closer to 70-80% that HHH is from the valtrex and transmission study when they took out the folks who weren't taking their daily suppressive valtrex dose at least 80% of the time. Just remembering to take the pill each day probably tilts the odds even more in your favor.  The official study results though are a 48% reduction because they have to include the folks not taking the pill properly.

grace

[pastmistakes]

[pastmistakes]

Thanks,

This answers my question. 97-98% effectiveness of valtrex+condom for prevention of transmition from a + male to a - female

Thanks again Grace  

[HSVscared]

that is correct it is almost negligble.