I’m really not sure what place you are describing – I sure hope it wasn’t my clinic!
Though the initial research was done on valacyclovir and not acyclovir, the only very specific transmission evidence we have is about valacyclovir. HOWEVER, having said that, we have done multiple studies on viral shedding (a reasonable “marker” for the possibility of transmission) and found NO difference between the two in the ability to reduce viral shedding. Dr. Christine Johnson at the University of Washington did a lovely study in the past few years about the ability of antiviral therapy to reduce viral shedding. Good old generic acyclovir did as well or better than the newer drugs, WHEN TAKEN AS DIRECTED. The value of valacyclovir for many people is that the dosing is once a day and they comply better. But if your boyfriend takes his medicines well, then he has nothing to worry about, taking the generic drug vs. valacyclovir. Having said all that, he is still shedding small amounts of virus from time to time. So far, we just can’t stop that completely.
I would agree that shaving opens up microscopic areas for virus to enter into your body. I think clipping your pubic hair if you would like it not to be there would be far less disruptive of skin cells. Hey you could turn it into some cool sexy thing you do as a couple, maybe? I’m not worried about your “grazing”. That’s too subtle for transmission, I would agree with Hunter on that.
How is this relationship for you? New, solid, iffy, terrific? Maybe too soon to know? Because if it is solid and longer term, it may be time for you to start working on yourself and your herpes fears and trying to turn down the volume on these fears just a bit. You guys are doing a great job of practicing all that you can to reduce this risk and there is really no more to do. I wish you both the best.
Terri