Does supression (Valtrex) really work?

[fingered]

Does supression drugs stop me from having an outbreak thus preventing cells from existing to slough off? Or are there H2 cells sloughing off anyway even though I have had no outbreaks since April?

[anie]

hello, fingered.

i have been on valtrex for almost a year and in that time i have had a few minor ob's. keep in mind though, that particular things such as diet and stress can contribute to ob's. from my understanding, H is a virus thus it is always in your body regardless of whether or not you're having an outbreak.

i hope this helps you.

-anie

[tigerclaw79]

What's the point of getting Valtrex if it doesn't completely supress it? I mean when you aren't having an outbreak you still have X% chance of giving it to someone else. And with Valtrex you still have a chance of giving it to someone else. How is it any easier to tell someone "Yeah, so there's a REALLY small chance you could get this".

I was thinking about this same thing tonight. I hate those commercials. They want me to spend all this money on something that won't fix the problem.

[ouch]

I totally agree Tigerclaw. WHY waste money on a product that sort of works and MIGHT hinder transmission to a non H partner.

I think if used in conjuction with other forms of safe sex, then it is going to most effective.

I LOVE at the end of the Valtrex commercial, after all the " I have a less chance of passing herpes onto my partner" that they throw in the disclaimer that "herpes can be transmitted at anytime" even if you DO take their product. It is a load of crap.

I DID take Valtrex when I was pregnant, as I was getting such severe outbreaks. My ob/gyn was AWESOME. He knew money was tight....so at the first sign of an outbreak, he would give me enough samples he had to cover me during the outbreak, thus lessen the severity and length. Valtrex did help me somewhat, but I had weird side effect. (not as weird as acyclovir thought, that stuff kills me and is worthless on my system.) So yeah, valtrex did work much better, but I couldn't afford it. Had it not been for my kick ass, no shit doc and his staff, I would have been in deep doo doo. But I STILL practiced safe with my man, despite being on Valtrex. ( I only used it during OB's too....not for suppression.)

The only time we did NOT use condoms was for the sole purpose of making a baby! That was it. And he never caught it. (but I never had bad outbreaks then either, sooooo...I REALLY wouldn't riskit now! )

[tigerclaw79]

I totally agree Tigerclaw. WHY waste money on a product that sort of works and MIGHT hinder transmission to a non H partner.

I think if used in conjuction with other forms of safe sex, then it is going to most effective.

I LOVE at the end of the Valtrex commercial, after all the " I have a less chance of passing herpes onto my partner" that they throw in the disclaimer that "herpes can be transmitted at anytime" even if you DO take their product. It is a load of crap.

I DID take Valtrex when I was pregnant, as I was getting such severe outbreaks. My ob/gyn was AWESOME. He knew money was tight....so at the first sign of an outbreak, he would give me enough samples he had to cover me during the outbreak, thus lessen the severity and length. Valtrex did help me somewhat, but I had weird side effect. (not as weird as acyclovir thought, that stuff kills me and is worthless on my system.) So yeah, valtrex did work much better, but I couldn't afford it. Had it not been for my kick ass, no shit doc and his staff, I would have been in deep doo doo. But I STILL practiced safe with my man, despite being on Valtrex. ( I only used it during OB's too....not for suppression.)

The only time we did NOT use condoms was for the sole purpose of making a baby! That was it. And he never caught it. (but I never had bad outbreaks then either, sooooo...I REALLY wouldn't riskit now! )

So how hard is it to transfer when you aren't having an outbreak. I have HSV 1 since mid-late October, and haven't had any symptoms since. It doesn't sound like there is such a thing as "safe sex" when it comes to this. Only "safer".

[fingered]

So the short answer is that I can give it to a non H2 person anyway, even faithfully taking my Valtrex. I don't use condoms, am not monogomous, try to have sex a few times a month and want to know if I need to only find H2 partners. I guess the answer is YES. I'm not going to pass this on. No one needs this. Wish the Valtrex people would publish some statistics. But - I'm sure they don't want to be sued by the exception to the rule.

So, does that mean oral sex is out? And why wouldn't a guy get it from his fingers if they are in there too? If he can get it on his penis, he must be able to get it on his fingers, right?

Has anyone switched to anal sex and had a problem with the H2 going there? That's been my place of choice now that I have H2 and don't want to pass it on. But, I sure don't want to get any H2 sores in there.

And, how does a woman get a minor o/b? Aren't they either open sores or not? When I had them, I couldn't sit, stand, pee, anything comfortably. How can they be minor?

I'm new at this. 2 outbreaks total - none since valtrex.

[tohealth]

Has anyone switched to anal sex and had a problem with the H2 going there? That's been my place of choice now that I have H2 and don't want to pass it on. But' date=' I sure don't want to get any H2 sores in there.[/quote']

Oh my goodness...

There is absolutely NOTHING "advantageous" about "switching" to anal sex and using an orifice for sex that was never designed for intercourse. This is among the most dangerous ideas in the entire world of sexual thought.

The rectum lacks the acidity of the vagina; it's a direct route to the bloodstream since the colon is designed to transport things immediately into the blood stream. The vagina is designed to fight and kill off most everything that comes in it. But the real point is, you can end up with herpes outbreaks in and around the rectum no matter where you originally contracted it so you aren't protecting anything by avoiding one orifice and using some other. Herpes "creeps" and is named for how it jumps around from place to place. The only quasi exception is that HSV1 tends to live upstairs and HSV2 downstairs.

I don't personally care what people do with their bodies, but having anal sex has got to be one of the stupidest ideas ever come up with by human beings who claim to want to be healthy.

And I say the main people who want anal sex anyway are men with inadequate, slender penises that aren't thick enough to enjoy the friction found by larger penised men in a normal vaginal opening and canal. And forget that--it's hardly my anus' fault somebody was born with a baby penis...I digress...

[ouch]

So the short answer is that I can give it to a non H2 person anyway, even faithfully taking my Valtrex. I don't use condoms, am not monogomous, try to have sex a few times a month and want to know if I need to only find H2 partners. I guess the answer is YES. I'm not going to pass this on. No one needs this. Wish the Valtrex people would publish some statistics. But - I'm sure they don't want to be sued by the exception to the rule.

So, does that mean oral sex is out? And why wouldn't a guy get it from his fingers if they are in there too? If he can get it on his penis, he must be able to get it on his fingers, right?

yes, you can. i personally do not feel there has been enough study on this, I would say continue to take it, but MOST couples (in monogamous relationships) who take Valtrex also use other means of protection. Unless both parties choose not to, then they BOTH know the slight risks involved. I do not know how to deal with this in a non-monogamous relationship. My big question is this: if you are not using condoms for protection, forget about herpes....what about HIV???? Doesn't this worry or scare you. Because if a man is going to go gonzo with you,and he knows your status, that would make ME question his OWN status with ALL STDS and not just herpes. People with hsv have a higher rate of contracting HIV as well. Forget worrying about what you are going to give them (I mean, it is GOOD to be concerned, absolutely) but what can THESE guys give YOU? Might be a slow death sentence, rather than an annoying, painful outbreak....Just my 10 cents there. Not trying to preach, I am just trying to understand your mindset here.

Yes, a man can get it on his fingers. Best thing to do is wash up really good after sex. Herpes can not live outside the body long and it HATES soap! As for oral sex, you CAN pass it on to someone if they perform oral sex on you. If there are no signs of outbreak and you ARE on valtrex...chances are lessened some, but again, nothing is 100% foolproof against contracting herpes.

Has anyone switched to anal sex and had a problem with the H2 going there? That's been my place of choice now that I have H2 and don't want to pass it on. But, I sure don't want to get any H2 sores in there.

Tohealth is absolutely right in that nowhere in your nether region is safe and/or exempt from herpes. It IS the greek (I believe) term for "to creep" as this is exactly what this stuff does. it can move all around down there along a certain nerve line and pop up wherever it wants, although it usually likes to pop up in one "favorite" spot. But if you happen to break a blister down there, it CAN spread. Hence, it can get in and around your anus. OR he might be getting you in the back door, but his scrotum is rubbing against your vagina...and voila...herpes on the scrotum. So no, this is absolutely not safe!!!

And, how does a woman get a minor o/b? Aren't they either open sores or not? When I had them, I couldn't sit, stand, pee, anything comfortably. How can they be minor?

WHen I first contracted this virus, I barely noticed the outbreak as it was so teeny tiny. One pimple like thing. BUT the difference was (compared to razor rash) that it hurt stung everytime I peed. I have always been very in touch with my body and its inner (and outer) workings. I knew something was amiss, visited my pals at planned parenthood and lo and behold, HERPES. I was devastated and almost in a state of denial. After that, if I DID have an outbreak, it would be the same thing...barely nothing, slight discomfort, but i was able to deal with it. Never took meds, just ate well, and did vitamins. Was sort of put off from having sex for a while. Met my man. Told him my status, all was well. No outbreaks. We had unprotected sex, because we were baby making, BUT he knew the potential outcome for him by doing this, he was prepared (fortunately, NADA! he is still herpes free! ) and about the 6th month of pregnancy, I developed the WORST outbreak of my life. Imagine being pregnant, and having what must have felt like a primary outbreak!! I was barely able to walk, depressed, frantic, sick, tired. It was awful. Since then I have continued to have horrible outbreaks. I long for the days when I had the little teeny nothing outbreak...and then only about once every six months, if THAT! So...yes, you CAN have a minor outbreak. I did...I wish I still did.

And I say the main people who want anal sex anyway are men with inadequate, slender penises that aren't thick enough to enjoy the friction found by larger penised men in a normal vaginal opening and canal. And forget that--it's hardly my anus' fault somebody was born with a baby penis...I digress...

oh my GOD...I almost peed my pants I was laughing so hard at this. Although I am not against or opposed to anal, especially if done in a loving, calm, caring environment, (I think many couple in a relationship have experimented and enjoyed this! ) I would have to agree that most men who are obsessed with it, are so because 1) they DO have slight penises and need that extra tightness. 2) It is a more filthy, dirty, naughty act, both phsysically and psychologically. Hell, there are many states that still consider sodomy against the law, thus, heightens the whole "naughty factor".

I think it may have been the karma sutra (correct me if I am wrong) that, while singing songs of praise to most sex acts between couples, absolutely ABHORRED the act of anal sex, as it was considered a "negative energy." Or going "against positive sexual energy". I always found that interesting.

I don't care what people do when they are alone in the bedroom. To each their own...whatever gets your rocks off , ya know? I just do not want people to be misinformed.

Oh, one last thought. In many countries which the people are predominately catholic (ie. Italy, Mexico, here in parts of the U.S...ahem) many women who were not married and virgins would do anal sex with a suitor, but NOT vaginal, just to keep her virginity intact for marriage! (as well as prevent pregnancy). Once married, sometimes catholic couple would indulge only in anal sex to prevent pregnancy, since the church is vehemently opposed to birth control. CRAZY

So getting nailed in the ass and stretching those poor muscles out is ok, just don't get on the pill or use a condom!!! Freakin' nuts. These women will have to wear depends later in life, but that is ok I guess.

now I have digressed!!! hahaha, the history of anal sex. well , some of it.

[fingered]

So many things to reply to, so little time to type. Thanks for the info on the fact that it can spread to the rectum too. See, I was told from my doc that only cells from the area the sores are/ were in can slough off and reinfect a new partner. Thus, if I haven't had it in my rectum, he won't be able to get it from there. Not sure anyone really knows what the hell this virus really does.

The guys I have had anal sex with, have had small penises. lol So, there was no pain, and much pleasure with their fingers elsewhere. Hey, why not try new things? If you don't like something, just don't do it a second time. I can't stand being with a guy and you can't even tell their penis is inside you. And I had stitches in 5 directions with my last son and ended up almost closed at one point. So, it's not like a truck stop. Huge, huge letdown on the woman's part. So, plan B. Yes, something a bit exciting about the bad girl thing too. Again, try new things instead of wondering if he's done yet when you can't even feel him in there. lol And they wonder why we can't orgasm with them?////// dah....

Well, I live in a rural part of NH, hardly a high HIV territory. No, really not worried about that. I put ads out to meet some guys on the purple door dating site and have had no responses at all. So, I'll be putting some ads now and then on Craig's list and look to date Herpes people. So, thanks guys, I'll be careful and come back every now and then and see how everyone is.

My outbreaks were real and intense, both times. And my blood test came back negative a month later. And I am on Valtrex, so just wish me well as I also wish you!

Later.

[ouch]

I don't think most of the medical world knows much about this virus....alot of theories, alot of blah blah blah, but no real definitive answers. Talk to 9 different doctors and you will get 8 different answers. It is very frustrating. Especially when it comes to things like...transmission.

do you find the valtrex has helped alot with the outbreaks???

I did take it while pregnant, but I always felt that I was on the verge of an outbreak. it was weird. I took it again a couple of times after I had the baby. then didn't need it a while. Then I got acyclovir and I had the weirdest and worst side effects ever. didn't help at all. So now, I am au natural. Just my vitamins.....

[fingered]

I had a first outbreak of one or two lesions confirmed by my Gyn as H2. Took the Valtrex for 10 days and it got much better in a day or 2. Then immediately got another outbreak with more lesions. So, my doc said "Let's just put you on prevention." So, started taking Valtrex daily. Took 2 500 mg pills at first, now am taking 1 1000 mg pill a day. Have not had an outbreak since. Have not had any weird symptoms at all. No side effects for me. But, I have insurance that covers all but $ 45. for a 90 day supply, so the expense is no big deal for me.

I'll be taking the 1000 mg a day till I am monogomous, or find a H2 partner. Then I might think to lower it to 500 mg a day or something or play around with having it come back. Both of my outbreaks were painful, and my doc says I'm on Valtrex for life. ..... or till someone finds something else that works better against this virus... Wait 5 years and there may be a vaccine or something else.

I'm finding non H2 guys really have no clue what H2 is. I've told some I have it and they want to have sex anyway. Then I tell them to Google image H2 and see if they really want to date me. Then they realize it's no joke. Scares them right off from dating. So, I'll be looking harder for some H2 guys. Not spreading this to any innocent unsuspecting guy just cause he's OK with it.

[ouch]

That is cool... you are lucky Valtrex works for you. I think it does work for most people. I always seem to be the exception to the rule when it comes to this crap. Acyclovir doesn't do a damn thing for me valtrex DID help a bit in comparison, just strange side effects like permanent, prodomme like sensation. Made me nuts.

I also didn't like the idea of being on meds for an extended period of time. Trying to get my body to fight off the outbreaks and build up the anti bodies against it. if I ever do get ultra bad ob's like i did when preggo, i might do valtrex again to sort things out a bit

[herpqueen]

I know you're not worried about HIV, but maybe you should be alittle, especially if you're having unprotected sex. I have read that people with Herpes are 50% more at risk for contracting HIV. THAT'S HUGE!

[ouch]

Thank you for pointing that out herpqueen. I was going to bring up the fact that here in the US, the highest growing numbers of people contracting HIV ARE SINGLE WOMEN. Alot of people want to think it is only in the "minority groups" (african american, hispanic) that this phenomenon is happening to, and yes, while the numbers are slightly higher there, it is all across the board in heterosexual women are who obtaining HIV, even in rural areas. Along with small meth use, child abuse, HIV is also on the rise.

I was going to say something before, but honestly, I am kinda wiped out on trying to give advice or offer help.

[dakota60279]

Long term use

Ive been on Valtrex for almost 5 years and I have only had one outbreak since my initial OB. Im not saying that this is going to be the case for everyone, but even though the drug supresses the outbreatk, the fact that you can still transmit it to someone else isn't really the issue. It deffinatly breaks down the chances of passing it on, but why would you go out and have irresponsible sex, knowing that you have this virus, which lives in your blood. people like us cannot, in all honesty and integrity, go out and have casual sex and think that its going to be okay, whether or not we are on a supression drug. Being outbreak free is one of the best parts of Valtrex and I support it fully. Also, Acyclovir is a good generic that works just as well and doesn't cost as much.