Valtrex and oral sex. Learn about treatment and prevention options.

  • Valtrex and oral sex. Valacyclovir can also reduce the risk of transmitting herpes to a sexual partner. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, and headache. I am currently taking Valtrex and I have no symptoms of an outbreak genitally (or otherwise). Just a couple quick questions before I transfer you. A suppressive treatment is defined a continuous treatment for several months that aims to prevent herpes recurrence. Jan 4, 2018 · Be smart about sex with herpes! Learn about the transmission rates, precautions, and example scenarios here. Myth: Valtrex is only effective during outbreaks. Jul 26, 2024 · It can be spread through either genital or oral sexual contact. Each tablet contains 556 mg Jul 15, 2024 · A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that examined the effectiveness of topical and systemic antivirals in the prevention of oral herpes found that both oral acyclovir (800 to 1600 mg daily) and valacyclovir (500 mg daily) were effective in reducing the risk of oral herpes when initiated prior to exposure to triggers [42]. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice Oct 20, 2024 · As STD rates continue to rise, it's important to understand STD testing guidelines and know how soon after unprotected sex you should get tested for STDs. Sep 23, 2024 · Anal sex Receiving oral sex (fellatio, cunnilingus, and analingus) Between outbreaks, it's OK to have sex, as long as your partner understands and accepts the risk that they may contract herpes. Feb 18, 2015 · First be sure!: You can be tested for herpes 1 ; 2, to see if you have had one or both. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that ‘taking 500 mg of Valtrex daily reduced the transmission of genital HSV-2 to the partner without the infection. I took valtrex and used Zovirax to help healing. Nov 14, 2024 · Practice Safe Sex To reduce the risk of transmitting herpes to sexual partners, it is important to practice safe sex (or safe oral hygiene, if you have outbreaks of oral herpes). Transmission rates broken down by gender, condom use, and antiviral therapy (Valtrex). I took valtrex and used Zovirax toDisclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Once inside your body it is broken down into an active ingredient called aciclovir. Jan 17, 2015 · After taking valtrex (valacyclovir) for a coldsore, how long do i have to wait till i can give oral sex and kiss my man?no sign, just regressing bump inside lip. While there is no cure for herpes, there are ways to manage and prevent outbreaks. How long does it take for valacyclovir to work to prevent transmission? It's effectiveness Jun 26, 2020 · Don’t have oral, anal, or genital sex during an outbreak, including a tongue herpes outbreak. Taking Valtrex will not prevent you from passing herpes on to a sexual partner. How long after taking Valtrex are you contagious? Valtrex minimizes the severity of cold sores and genital herpes, but does it make you less contagious? I accidentally gave my boyfriend oral sex with what I thought was a healed cold sore. Learn about treatment and prevention options. I took valtrex and used Zovirax toI wish you all the best! My goal is to give the best possible experience with JustAnswer, If you have further question kindly reply in the chat box and I will get back to you. Doctor's Assistant: The Doctor can help. Therefore receiving oral sex is not absolutely safe as transmission can occur though with a reduced risk. Talk with your partner about taking herpes medicine every day, which can lower their chances of spreading herpes. It is indicated in patients with recurrent oral and genital HSV-2 infection and oral HSV-1 infection. If you do not have herpes, then barrier protection and your partner taking Valtrex (valacyclovir) faithfully are musts! I accidentally gave my boyfriend oral sex with what I thought was a healed cold sore. In your body, valacyclovir becomes the anti-herpes medicine, acyclovir. Additionally, practicing safe sex and using barrier methods, like condoms, can reduce the risk of transmission and potentially minimize outbreaks. Feb 1, 2025 · Description Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections, including herpes labialis (also known as cold sores), herpes zoster (also known as shingles), and herpes simplex (also known as genital herpes) in adults. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of taking Valtrex daily. So if by 18 days he doesnt have lesions Customer: Hi I accidentally gave my boyfriend oral sex with what I thought was a healed cold sore. The efficacy of VALTREX when initiated more than 72 hours after Jan 8, 2025 · Valacyclovir hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of the - L-valyl ester of the antiviral drug acyclovir. Antiviral therapy is used for symptomatic outbreaks, and as daily suppressive therapy, it reduces recurrences of symptoms, asymptomatic Dec 18, 2022 · Valaciclovir is known as a pro-drug. An infected person can experience viral shedding — when an infected person releases copies of the virus from their body as it’s replicating and reproducing in them — of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 even if they don’t have symptoms. I did not go down on him long just really used it as lubrication maybe not even a minute. The efficacy of VALTREX for the reduction of transmission of genital herpes in individuals with multiple partners and non-heterosexual couples has not been established. Evaluate your risk and learn how to reduce the chances. There was an initial crust that peeled off Saturday day and that looked somewhat gone by night Customer: Hi i accidentally gave my boyfriend oral sex with what I thought was a healed cold sore. This makes it more convenient for people to take. 5% ± 9. Plus, get tips on how to stop a herpes outbreak. While many people take Valtrex only when they experience an outbreak, others may consider taking it daily as a preventative measure. Don’t have sex during a herpes outbreak, even with a condom. Regular screening and open communication about health status with partners are crucial for prevention. However, it can get rid of unwanted sores prior to sexual activity and decrease the chances of passing on the STD Report a content issue Herpes Post Exposure Prophylaxis: What You Need to Know Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). I will be obliged for your valuable feedback. Outbreaks can occur in areas that are not covered by a condom so condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes. Is it worth it? Jan 7, 2018 · A healthy love life with herpes simplex 1 or 2 (oral or genital herpes) is possible. Using barriers such as condoms or dental dams can effectively reduce the risk of STDs during oral sex. ’ Jun 1, 2024 · The probability of transmitting herpes during unprotected sex varies across studies, ranging from approximately 3% to 10% per sexual act. Jan 1, 2004 · Our study demonstrates that oral valacyclovir taken by immunocompetent persons with recurrent genital HSV-2 infection significantly reduces the rates of HSV reactivation, subclinical shedding, and Jun 19, 2024 · Find patient medical information for Valacyclovir (Valtrex) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Jul 16, 2009 · But if you have oral herpes, you can spread it from your mouth to another person’s genitals if you perform oral sex on them. When is herpes not contagious? Three factors determine the answer. The incubation period of HSV is 2-12 days. In this article, we will focus on how Valtrex can specifically aid in the recovery from shingles. In 2003, the US Food and Drug Administration approved an indication for Valtrex (valacyclovir) to reduce genital herpes transmission: “Valtrex reduces the risk of heterosexual transmission of genital herpes to susceptible partners with healthy immune systems when used as suppressive therapy in combination with safer sex practices. Use condoms or other protective barriers, such as dental dams, whenever you have sex. 1% as determined following a 1-gram oral dose of VALTREX and a 350-mg intravenous acyclovir dose to 12 healthy volunteers. Giving oral sex is a Feb 22, 2024 · How to manage genital herpes, protect partners, and maintain a healthy sex life after diagnosis. May 31, 2016 · It's still possible: The CDC says the only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Read Valaciclovir for viral infections - Valtrex How long does it take for valacyclovir to work to prevent transmission? Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication often used to treat and prevent outbreaks of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, including genital herpes. Valacyclovir tablets, USP are for oral administration. I’m not even sure the sore actually touched him. Although valacyclovir will not cure Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is a prescription medication used to treat shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes. Jul 5, 2018 · Discover the valacyclovir dosage for herpes and the Valtrex dosage for cold sores versus genital herpes. You would be contagious. Mar 1, 2024 · Yes. Feb 16, 2023 · Valtrex is an antiviral drug that doctors prescribe to shorten the duration of genital or oral herpes (cold sores) and shingles flare-ups. Treatment may last from one to 14 days depending on the condition being treated and the immunocompetency of the person being treated. Oct 11, 2022 · Genital herpes is highly contagious, but transmission rate depends on many factors. Apr 28, 2025 · Although your daily dose lowers your chances of developing genital herpes, the risk isn’t zero, especially if you’re exposed to HSV directly, such as during oral sex from a partner with an active cold sore. Mar 2, 2021 · Valacyclovir oral tablet is a prescription medication used to treat or prevent infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. Safer sex practices should be used with suppressive therapy (see current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines). Aug 5, 2015 · Yes : Valtrex (valacyclovir) has been shown to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of transmission of genital herpes. In contrast, the thicker skin on the arms and torso is less penetrable and less commonly affected. However, there is no clear proven benefit in providing chronic suppressive Aug 18, 2016 · Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 cause genital herpes. Apr 8, 2025 · Valacyclovir is an oral tablet (500 mg) that only needs to be taken twice daily, compared to five times daily for acyclovir. Be aware that most transmissions occur in the absence of any lesions - the most common way that genital herpes presents. Apr 11, 2024 · HIV poses a very low risk through oral sex, but the risk increases if there are cuts or sores in the mouth or exposure to menstrual blood. Jun 16, 2025 · To prevent the transmission of herpes, take Valtrex 24 hours before engaging in vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse to protect your partner from the virus. These include cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, and shingles Feb 1, 2016 · Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Valtrex 500 mg; Tablets for herpes simplex. com Herpes viruses tend to enter the body through areas with thin, moist, damaged skin or mucosal surfaces, making the oral and genital areas more susceptible. It is also used to treat chickenpox and cold sores in children. This risk is notably higher for females. Most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2. Suppressive therapy can decrease the frequency and incidence of viral shedding as well as out breaks but it does not completely eliminate viral shedding. I accidentally gave my boyfriend oral sex with what I thought was a healed cold sore. ” Nov 8, 2018 · It's common to take medication to treat a herpes outbreak. Mar 20, 2025 · Valacyclovir (Valtrex) treatment can reduce asymptomatic shedding and the herpes transmission rate. Aug 16, 2023 · The virus spreads to sexual partners through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. If I am taking Valtrex daily, and I am able to give and/or receive oral sex?Hello Thanks for using justanswer. There was an initial scab that peeled off Jan 10, 2024 · Can I spread genital herpes to my boyfriend if we have unprotected sex when I don't have any sores at the time? How long after a herpes outbreak is it still contagious? Genital herpes is generally spread by genital skin-to-skin contact and sex — including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. If you got herpes from oral sex it's likely hsv 1, the virus most people think of as cold sores. If you do, then you will need treatment if you develop lesions of herpes in your mouth, lips, etc. If you would like to ask me another question in the I accidentally gave my boyfriend oral sex with what I thought was a healed cold sore. Valtrex is a prescription medication used to treat herpes infections. The cold sore began Tuesday the oral happened Saturday night. In addition, to prevent HSV-1 genital herpes, pregnant women without known orolabial herpes should be advised to abstain from receptive oral sex during the third trimester with partners known to have or suspected to have orolabial herpes. How to have sex with herpes and stay fulfilled. The absolute bioavailability of acyclovir after administration of VALTREX is 54. Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptom or outbreak of genital herpes. But what about suppressive therapy, meaning the daily use of antiviral medicine. I took valtrex and used Zovirax toCold sore is caused by hsv which should be confirmed by , testing Properly healed cold sore , chances of transmission is very less but not zero Symptomatic cold sore have higher chances of transmission To confirm cold sore , hsv test should be done to confirm Please let me Doctor's Assistant chat Customer: I need to know if a person who has HSV-2 genital can shed the virus, and potentially transmit the virus, by giving oral sex. Oral herpes . There may be sores on places the condom doesn’t cover. Viral shedding is minimal by the time the lesion is crusting. Oral herpes, which is caused by HSV-1, can spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. Drug interactions, uses, dosing, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information are provided. One such method is herpes post exposure prophylaxis Jan 15, 2020 · Always use condoms and dental dams during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Symptoms are much the same outwardly BUT the virus doesn't like living in the genital area as much as it like living in the facial area. Also, Valtrex (valacyclovir) does not prevent the spread of genital herpes. I took valtrex and used Zovirax toThe risk of transmission is extremely low in the scenario described: The Valtrex and Zovirax would have decreased viral shedding. See full list on goodrx. Types of interventions Suppressive oral antiviral treatment with oral acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir for genital herpes compared against each one other or compared with placebo. Dec 1, 2022 · It's easier for herpes to spread from man to woman, than vice versa. This includes using condoms, even when asymptomatic, and discussing your herpes status with potential partners. Jul 17, 2025 · VALTREX, taken every day as prescribed and used with the following safer sex practices, can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner. Herpes Zoster: VALTREX is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) in immunocompetent adults. The primary role of chronic suppressive therapy in herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is to decrease the frequency, severity, and duration of outbreaks, and to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others. It works by slowing the growth and spread of the virus, helping to reduce symptoms and prevent outbreaks. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice Jun 5, 2024 · Three methods to prevent herpes transmission to a partner: antiviral medication, condom, and having a conversation. cpxzre gfli gaui gpxhkhjv rzydty dnlpxr vgaf mbvaq xzvir adsvx