HSV2 for 9 months, questions for new partner

[Polly17]

I (female) was diagnosed with HSV2 in September 2017 after an initial outbreak (fever, genital blisters). I’ve never felt so sick and helpless. So after those symptoms, my doctor tested me and I came back positive. She put me on valtrex 500mg and I took it daily. About 3 months ago I stopped.ive never had another outbreak after the initial. Not sure if my body is just good at fighting the virus or I just have a low value. I’ve never gone back and retested since I’m fairly certain with the initial symptoms and positive igg test I do in fact have it. My question is I am dating someone new and this would be my first relationship post diagnosis. How can I best explain the risks and transmission rate given my symptoms are non existent, and taking of meds (I would take them being with someone not positive) and that I don’t have outbreaks (currently).

[Terri Warren]

The risk of transmission to an uninfected partner while you were taking Valtrex and having sex about twice per week is about 2% per year. If he uses condoms in addition, the rate drops to about 1% per year. More sex, more risk. I’m sure you are aware that even if you do not have symptoms, you can still transmit the virus. Please let me know what questions you might have. Your symptoms and a positive antibody test suggest that you do not need to retest

Terri

[Polly17]

Terri- so my HSV2 was confirmed by culture only. They did blood work, but it was negative- so it was determined I was recently infected, and this was my initial outbreak. What is your opinion of culture only results? And should I do an IgG now, or western blot?

[Terri Warren]

I would fully rely upon a positive swab test combined with lesions, whether the swab to test was a culture or a PCR. I don’t feel that an antibody test now is necessary.

Terri

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