Doctor,

I recently found out the girl I have been sleeping with has confirmed herpes.  We had sex for the first time 10 days ago 31/Jan, and 2 times after, once on the 9th feb, and once on the 10th. We used condoms every time and she told me after she has had it for 7 years and has been taking antivirals everyday.  8 days after we fist had sex I developed an upset stomach where I lost my appetite,legs felt achy, and I threw up a couple of times, maybe a slight fever? No soar throat or swollen lymph nodes in my neck and no lesions as of yet in my genital area. is this a coincidence or a possible sign? I guess my question is, based on this situation what are the chances that I do catch herpes, how effective are condoms alone, and how effective are condoms combined with antiviral meds? Also, if i do not see any visual signs within 3 weeks would you say there is a good chance i'm in the clear? how difficult is it for female to male transmission.

Thanks in advanced

Nausea and vomiting are most definitely not signs of herpes.  I think you might e referring to flu symptoms that you read about but that's influenza type symptoms - like muscle aches, fever, light sensitivity, things like that - not GI stuff.  Condoms and daily antiviral medicine and sex about twice per week (more sex, more risk) end up with about a 1% risk of transmission -that is, in a year of doing that, 1 man out of 100 will get herpes.  You've had sex 5 times, not the 104 times in a year of the statistics above.  Do the math - your risk is incredibly low!
And I am assuming that you already know that you don't have herpes, correct?

Terri
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Terri,

You are correct, I have been tested for herpes and I am negative for both using the IGG test.  My partner currently takes 500mg daily of valacyclovir and based off of that, what percentage would you say that reduces viral shedding? If I do not see any visual signs, within how many "days" would you say there is a good chance I'm in the clear? Also, I've read it is more difficult for female to male transmission, is that true?

I do plan on getting tested at 8 weeks but in the meantime the wheels in my head are spinning and any information you could provide would be appreciated.

It reduces viral shedding by about 70% and transmission by about 50%
Female to male transmission is less likely, correct.  If you don't see any signs of herpes within 2-10 days, you probably are either uninfected or are not going to see any symptoms.
I really really think transmission is unlikely here.

Terri
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