[Question #11668] Preventing HSV transmission in marriage
 |
13 months ago
|
I received a HSV dxg in 2001. I am not in a dating relationship that may lead to marriage. I am very concerned about having the most up-to-date info about transmission prevention. I will begin with disclosure before sexual intercourse. I would also like to provide the best info on how it can be prevented. There was a study done some time ago that suggested condoms plus daily acyclovir could decrease the chance of transmission down to 3%. Is that still good information and what can one do to prevent the transmission in a monogamous relationship? Any advice on how to approach this based on your experience with patients in a similar situation? Thank you.
|
13 months ago
|
correction: i am NOW in a dating relationship that may...
 |
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
12 months ago
|
Thanks for that clarification - it didn't make sense to me the way it was written!
So your diagnosis - how did that happen? Blood antibody test, swab test of lesions? Do you have recurrences of blisters, etc?
If the diagnosis is correct, and there are lots of false positives on the blood antibody tests, then you are correct. Condoms and meds will reduce transmission but I don't know your gender so I can't be more specific here. Lots of questions for you to answer! Thanks very much
Terri
--- |
12 months ago
|
Thank u . Sorry I will try to answer your questions it's been.awhile ago .
Female (that I know for sure lol)
Had a couple lesions that were swabbed & tested.
Had a couple HSV type tests. + for HSV1 then it became negative hsv1/ + hsv2
No recurrent lesions in that location (near the labia) in probably 10 years. No other sores.
I don't know if there have been any other studies with discordant couples but I'm guessing the one that suggested a 3%risk with condoms and acyclovir is still valid?
Do you know the most sensitive condom that still provides protection? I guess that might be a matter of personal preference.
I'm just somewhat concerned about rejection and not being able to get married. However I do know my value is not tied to a skin infection that occurs sometime over a period of 9 years and 3 partners. As I understand it the premise that you can identify a primary Infection with a IgG/IgM TEST has been debunked. I had that test in 2001 and the doctor at the time told me it was a primary (1st) infection and probably recently contracted.
What do you suggest I tell the person im dating to put things in perspective. I want the most accurate information and to let him know I will do everything possible to prevent transmission. Thank you for your help.
|
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
12 months ago
|
You clearly need a better test. Nothing that I see here is definitive for you having either HSV 1 or HSV 2. The best test is a herpes western blot which is done at the University of Washington but you could start with an IgG test that is readily available and confirm if positive. The one part I don't get about your response is if the lesions swab tested positive for HSV?
Terri
--- |
12 months ago
|
I am fairly certain the doctor said I tested positive for HSV from the swab. Also, I had a subsequent blood test that was positive for HSV.
At this point I think I will just try to check for all STIs that can "hide" and be asymptomatic [HepC, HIV, HSV2] since it seems like a smart thing to do before any new relationship. And ask him to do the same. Even though i know my risk is low since ive only had one protected sexual encounter in the past six years, it is still possible. Testing is something I wish I had done routinely before previous relationships. I will also search my paper medical records to see if I have the subsequent test I took mentioned above.
Thank you kindly. Once I get the tests back I will return for the best information on how to prevent transmission.
|
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
12 months ago
|
Typing of your virus is also important. HSV 1 genital infection happens and rarely recurs, while HSV 2 recurs more often and is more likely to be transmitted to a sex partner. If you take daily antiviral therapy, 500 mg of valacyclovir (Valtrex) daily, and your partner uses condoms, having sex on average twice a week, the risk is less than 3%.
Terri
---