The studies show that 25% of women are HSV2 positive. 1 in 5 men have it. That means guys that 1 out of 4 women that you have had sex with have genital herpes. You got lucky and may or may not have it. 80% of people who have it, do not know but can pass it on. There is only a 10% chance of a man to pass it onto a woman if they just abstain during outbreaks...4% from woman to man due to physical differences. If you use condoms it reduces it by 50%, If they are on Valtrex, it is reduced by 50% with out condoms. So, with Valtrex alone, your chance of getting it from a woman is 1-2%...a condom cuts that in half. Your chance of getting gential HSV2 herpes is greater to have sex with another (non tested partner), than to have sex with someone who knows they have it and how to control it. The rate of HSV 2 is growing at a huge rate, especially among people who do not consider themselves at risk...not multiple partners, upper income, and generally safe sex.
The researchers estimate that 49 percent of women aged 15 to 39 will be infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 by 2025 if present trends continue. The associated medical costs would rise to $2.7 billion in 2025, from $1.8 billion in 2000.