I have read the Valtrex study done in 2001 or 2002? I was wondering if there had been any current studies done on the transmission risk in discordant couples with HSV. I am a female with HSV2 genitally, taking Valtrex 500 mg daily. I have had this virus for over 20 years and have maybe 1 or 2 outbreaks per year not on therapy. My boyfriend is HSV1 positive orally, HSV2 negative genitally. We were curious as to any new studies with the suppressive therapy and is his risk less because of his HSV1 status?
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11/22/08 5:57pm
As far as what i have seen, he is still at a slightly higher risk fo HSV2 because he has HSV1. You are at risk of increased viral load in general if you have exposure to his HSV1 (through oral sex). With HSV2 and 1 present, even if one partner is regularly taking acyclovir there is still "risk." So I would have to say that reduced risk - does not translate to no risk. I would also offer that though your outbreaks are "clear active herpes" markers, you can still have actve virus without seeing an physical outbreak. That's why using a condom and practicing safe sex is still important for you both, as a couple.
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By TC— Last Modified: 12/19/10, First Published: 11/20/08
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