Will valaciclovir reduce the risk of herpes if taken by both partners?

Question

I am in my 50s and have herpes simplex, my partner does not,  if both of us take valaciclovir will this reduce his risk?

I can find no scientific data on the net which can answer this question. Though if valaciclovir reduces viral replication, then my logic is right, if he takes it - our risk should be doubly less.   I want to quantify the risk for my partner so he knows his risk, if I can.  As you can imagine, the use of condoms for older men can be difficult and impractical in terms of maintaining an erection.

Answer 1

If the infected person is on antivirals, the risk of transmission is believed to be reduced by about half. However, it is unclear if there is any additional protection if the uninfected partner takes an antiviral as well. It is possible, but I have not seen any studies on that subject -- so that question is still open.

Either way, keep in mind that while antivirals may reduce the risk of transmission, they do not eliminate it.