do herpes meds reduce transmission risks?

[tested pos.]

I just tested positive for HSV-2, or genital herpes. I've heard that taking medicine (like a daily prescription) can prevent me from passing my herpes to my partner. Is this true? and if so, what are the rules on this, like how safe or "sure" is that as far as reducing the transmission risks?

[getSTDtested Administrator]

Good question. Yes, It is true that taking some medications can help lower the risk of passing herpes to your partner, but there is still a chance you could infect your partner. Using condoms and other latex barriers (i.e. dental dam) during oral, anal, or penile-vaginal sex will help lower the chances even more.

Certain medications used for treating herpes outbreaks can also help to reduce viral shedding (when the virus is present on the surface of the skin and could be passed through skin-to-skin contact, usually through oral, anal, or penile-vaginal sex).

Sometimes a person has symptoms—such as blisters, itching, or a tingling sensation—when they are shedding but there are a few days each year when the virus is shed with no signs or symptoms. Certain medications can reduce this shedding significantly. While there are no guarantees, taking these medications and also using condoms and other latex barriers every time you have oral, anal, or penile-vaginal sex is a good way to help prevent passing the virus to your partner.

I hope this helps to answer your question. Feel free to come back at anytime if more questions arise. It can be difficult dealing with a new positive result and figuring out how to reduce the risk of transmission to your partner (not to mention talk openly with your partner) as well as how to manage outbreaks or symptoms, but know that you are most definitely Not alone, there are millions of people in your same situation (many of them here!). Just know that we're alway here for you anytime you have questions or need any help or support.