Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for Genital Herpes

Prevention Strategies for HSV-Negative Individuals

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that HSV-2-seronegative persons should request that sexual partners undergo type-specific serologic testing before initiating sexual activity, as disclosure of HSV-2 status in heterosexual discordant couples was associated with reduced transmission risk 1
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that consistent use of latex condoms reduces HSV-2 acquisition from women to men and from men to women and should be encouraged for all sexual exposures with new or potentially infected partners 1
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that sexual contact must be avoided when partners have visible genital or orolabial herpetic lesions 1, 2

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that suppressive antiviral therapy in the HSV-2-infected partner, such as valacyclovir 500 mg once daily, reduces transmission risk by 48-50% in discordant couples 1

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that patients seeking to reduce HSV acquisition risk should request partner testing with type-specific HSV serology before sexual activity 1
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that if the partner is HSV-2 positive, the partner should initiate suppressive valacyclovir 500 mg daily 1