[Question #2569] HSV2

96 months ago

I'm a male with genital HSV2. My girlfriend and I recently started having sex. We use condoms and I take valcyclovir prophylaxis daily. What is the risk (percent per period of time, or however best to estimate) that she might get genital HSV2? For the percentage that do contract it while using condoms, is there something those people are doing wrong, and if so is there anything else to lower the risk further (short of abstinence). What would the risk be on meds, without a condom? What would the risk be for her to perform oral sex on me? She's wonderful, and we're very open and honest with each other; she's also a bit nervous, as she's never (knowingly) been with anyone with an STD before, so any further advice would be helpful. We really appreciate this resource and all that you are doing!

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

96 months ago

A recent research article indicates that condoms, when used very regularly, reduce the risk of transmission from males to females by 96%. Add antiviral therapy daily, awareness of symptoms and partner disclosure, and I would say the risk of transmission,having sex about twice per week, would be 1-2% in a year. Without condoms, the risk might be about 4-5% per year. There is probably less of a chance (though we don't have this specific data) that she would contract it orally because HSV 2 just doesn't love oral location and rarely lives or recurs there.

Please let me know what other questions you might have.

Terri
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