Transmission question

[kdlmr]

Hi Grace, I have a question about limiting transmission of the HSV2 virus between two males when one partner is HSV2 positive and the other is negative.  I was diagnosed with HSV2 through a culture swab about 18 months ago.  Since then I have had 2 minor outbreaks, both on my waist near the navel.  I currently use Valtrex when I feel an outbreak coming on and it seems to suppress the symptoms.  

I'm recently in a new relationship and need to discuss with my new partner before we become sexually active, but before I do I had a couple of questions.  Since my outbreaks are on the waist a condom will obviously not cover that area.  I know not to have any contact if an outbreak occurs, but I also know it is possible to shed the virus asymptomatically in between outbreaks.  As an extra precaution is there any benefit to covering the area where I get the outbreaks with a latex bandage to help prevent transmission when no symptoms are present?  I know latex is an effective barrier and am just looking for ways to help lessen the risk of transmission.

Second, as I mentioned I currently take Valtrex when I feel an outbreak coming on, but am considering changing this to a daily dosage to help reduce risk, are there any benefits to this (realizing that I need to discuss with my physician to get dosage information).

Thanks in advance!

K

[kdlmr]

Good info, thanks so much Grace.

[gracefromHHP]

insurance won't cover them at your age so you'd have to pay out of pocket :(  

the thought process being that by the time we are over 30, most of us have been infected with hpv anyways so the vaccines usefulness is limited.

[kdlmr]

Thanks Grace.  I'm 37 years old, should I still consider the gardasil shots?

[gracefromHHP]

gardasil is a 3 shot series that protects against 4 of the most common types of hpv infection in the genital area.  we recommend them for males and females under 28 years of age.  

valtrex is the most convenient way to control your herpes. it's once a day dosing is easy :)  Acyclovir is the cheapest - it works the same you just have to take it twice a day.  

[kdlmr]

Thanks for the info Grace.  I plan on asking him to have a test as well to be sure.  I've never heard of gardasil shots, what are they and what do they do?

Also, is Valtrex the best medication for suppressive therapy or should I try something else?

Thanks!

K

[gracefromHHP]

you shed the virus from the lesions when you actually have them and from the entire anogenital area. in between obvious lesions, you shed the virus from the anogenital area. the area you get obvious lesions in doesn't really matter unless you have active lesions present.

we don't have risks for transmission unfortunately specifically for m2m relationships. I myself always recommend taking daily suppressive therapy for a new relationship. it reduces the risk of transmission since it reduces the times that the virus is active as well as reduces the number of recurrences you are having so that there are less disruptions in your sex life. To me a new relationship is hard enough without having to worry even more about herpes and to have to be constantly wondering if you have an ob or not so you can avoid sex.  Always fun to get what you can before the "newness" wears of...he he he

also make sure that your potential partner gets full std screening that includes herpes testing too. the rates of herpes infections in gay males are pretty high so it's worth knowing a partners status as well as covering all over std's to protect yourself!

have you had your gardasil shots for hpv?

keep asking questions!

grace