Suppressive Antiviral Therapy for Herpes: Personal Choice and Partner Communication
Just a reminder that using suppressive antiviral therapy with partners to reduce the odds of herpes transmission is a shared discussion and YOUR decision.
Forcing a partner with herpes to remain on suppressive antiviral therapy if it does not work for their body or lifestyle is a form of abuse.
Suppressive antiviral therapy is helpful for those who struggle to manage recurring outbreaks or those engaging with partners who do not have herpes. I get it. Suppressive therapy allows for a sense of security and reduction in transmitting herpes.
When introducing herpes transmission statistics to potential partners, there may be feelings of confusion, promise, hope, and doubt. Statistics are a pathway to informed STI education, but they’re not the final destination.
Deciding whether to use suppressive antiviral therapy is a shared conversation, just like those involving the use of barriers and contraceptives. Oftentimes, a partner’s reliance and subsequent enforcement of antivirals masks underling STI stigma.
For partners of people with herpes: communicate with your partner. Seek more information. Respect what works for their bodies.
For those with herpes: figure out what works for you. Talk to your doctor. And don’t forget, antivirals aren’t an obligation if they don’t work for you.