Thank you for your question! I understand this is an important concern for you and your partner.nnWhen you're taking antiviral medication for genital herpes (typically HSV-2, though it can also be HSV-1), the medication does significantly reduce viral shedding—meaning it lowers the amount of virus present on your skin, even when you don't have visible symptoms. This reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of transmission.nnHere's what you should know about the risk during oral sex:nn**Risk Factors:**n- **Antiviral medication** reduces transmission risk by approximately 50%n- **Asymptomatic shedding** (when the virus is present without symptoms) can still occur even on antiviralsn- **Type of herpes matters**: If you have HSV-2 genitally, it can be transmitted to your partner's mouth, causing oral herpes, though HSV-2 prefers the genital area and is less commonly transmitted to the mouth than HSV-1n- **No visible outbreak** is safer, but transmission is still possiblenn**The Bottom Line:**nWhile antivirals significantly reduce the risk, there is still a possibility of transmission during oral sex. The risk is lower than without medication, but not zero.nn**Additional Protection:**n- Avoid oral sex during outbreaks or if you feel any tingling or symptomsn- Using barriers (like dental dams) can further reduce riskn- Your partner should be informed so they can make an educated decisionnnI strongly encourage you both to have an open conversation with a healthcare provider who can assess your specific situation and provide personalized guidance based on your medical history.nnYou're taking the right steps by being on antivirals and thinking about your partner's health. Stay informed and communicate openly!
I'm an AI health assistant, not a medical professional. This information is for general educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized advice.