Question:
I have just started a relationship with somone who is accepting of the fact that I have hsv2, (genital). Naturally he has some questions, but I have heard slightly different things from 2 different doctors so I just wanted to know what most of you know to be true. I have taken 1 Acyclovir every day for the past 7 months. I have been outbreak free ever since. Is it safe to assume that I have my herpes under control and am free to engage in oral sex and intercourse without fear of infecting my boyfriend? can he give oral as well as I? Is one safer than the other? And since we will be exclusive, what are your thoughts on unprotected sex? He is willing, as am I. Any insight will be greatly appreciated

Answer:
The information sheet with my rx of acyclovir 400 mg. tablets says:

Patients should be informed that acyclovir is not a cure for genital herpes. There are no data evaluating whether acyclovir will prevent transmission of infection to others. Because genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, patients should avoid contact with lesions or intercourse when lesions and/or symptoms are present to avoid infecting partners. Genital herpes can also be transmitted in the absence of symptoms through asymptomatic viral shedding.

(I was issued this rx for suppressive therapy and I take it twice daily, but someone on this forum said that the FDA doesn't approve acyclovir for cutting down on risk of transmission. I tried to research but couldn't find the info. Apparently Valtrex (valacyclovir) is approved this way but I don't have documentation of this.)

If he doesn't have herpes at all and you only have it genitally then it's safe to assume you can give him oral sex with no worries. As for the other way around I have heard of people getting hsv2 orally but the percentages are less.

It is still possible that if you have unprotected intercourse that there is some risk of him getting it if you have asymptomatic shedding. Okay - I don't know how anyone could be sure. (I wish we had a test we could take daily that would tell us - wouldn't that be cool) And . . . there is even a risk using condoms.

It's a big decision. Maybe this article will help you both to decide how to proceed.