I contracted HSV-1 on my penis is 2015. I take 500mg of valacyclovir a day to put worries aside about another outbreak. Before taking the medication, I'd have what I took to be an outbreak every two years or so. It was usually a few very small bumps that opened up and scabbed over. I'm still vigilant about checking, but sometimes I think I'm overly cautious and worried. So, my question is, how likely is an outbreak given that I'm taking medication and only had mild symptoms every few years without medication?

Hi. I'm just waiting for an answer to my question.

Sorry, Brandon, I just landed back in the US and didn't see this soon enough.  ---

Thank you. Is there a risk of increased outbreaks if I stop taking the medication? As in, could that trigger a response? 

well, yes, but HSV 1 genitally is likely to be very quiet since you've been infected for so long.  We know that after someone has had genital HSV 1 infection for about two years, they shed virus on about 4 days out of a year.  So after 10 years, I suspect it will be even less.  ---

Thank you. Last question. Is genital HSV-1 more or less likely to be transmitted than oral HSV-1, assuming asymptomatic shedding? Let's say we're talking about unprotected vaginal sex versus tongue kissing.

Genital HSV 1 is far less likely to be transmitted than oral HSV 1.---