[Question #12628] How much does condom use lower HSV2 transmission risk?
6 months ago
|
Diagnosed with HSV2 via blood test. Had only one small first outbreak, extremely few minor outbreaks since, Valtrex was effective. (A) If I'm not having an outbreak and using a condom, what is transmission risk to my girlfriend, and how much does that risk increase if I don't use condom? If you'll permit, (B) can Valtrex be used as a sort of pharmacological prophylactic and, if so, how much does that lower risk, and how should it be taken - right before sex or daily? Lastly, (C) is it safe to take Valtrex frequently to prevent HSV2 transmission? Thanks.
![]() |
Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
6 months ago
|
Condoms used with every intercourse reduce the risk of transmission of HSV 2 by 96% and Valtrex reduces the risk of transmission when taken daily, 500 mg, by 48%. it is completely safe to take Valtrex daily for this purpose, yes
Terri
---