I contracted HSV1 genitally when I was 19, it was cultured and confirmed. I’m 51 now and it has been over a decade since my last outbreak, they were always very minor, just one small lesion. I’m now in an open relationship and we use condoms with outside partners and test frequently. I was negative before we got together.

Recently my blood test came back positive for HSV2 but not for HSV1. A subsequent test showed me positive for both! My partner, whom I have unprotected sex with, is negative for both.

As far as I know, none of my sexual partners have ever been symptomatic or tested positive. I know this doesn’t mean they weren’t carriers. Planned Parenthood says they won’t use the blood test because it is too unreliable, they only culture active lesions, of which I have none.

I’m not freaked out by it but I want to know the best way to protect my future partners. Condoms, obviously, with casual partners (and yes, I require testing). I have a prescription for Valtrex and want to know the best way to use it. My committed partner is unconcerned, we’ve been having unprotected sex for years so switching to condoms at this point would be like shutting the barn door after the horses got out, but for new and casual partners …

I don’t often play with others but I always know well in advance when it will happen. My question: do I have to take Valtrex every day forever or can I start taking it a week or two before an encounter and discontinue in between? I’ve tried asking my doctor and she doesn’t know much. To be clear, I’m trying to prevent asymptomatic shedding.

Thanks!