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Sexually transmitted infections

Genital Herpes Simplex Prevention

Prevention

Virus can be recovered from the eroded lesions for approximately 5 days after onset, but sexual contact should be avoided until reepithelialization is complete. Male (urethra) and female (cervix) carriers who have no symptoms can conceivably transmit the infection at any time. The use of spermicidal foams and condoms should be recommended to patients who have a history of recurrent genital herpes.

For sexual partners who have both had genital herpes, protective measures are probably not necessary if both carry the same virus type (one partner infected the other) and active lesions are not present. Remember that having herpes in one area is not a protection from acquiring the infection in another location. Contact should be avoided when active lesions are present.

One study showed that condom use during more than 25% of sex acts was associated with protection against HSV-2 acquisition for women but not for men. Therefore Identification of heterosexual couples in which the male partner has HSV-2 infection and the female is HSV-2 negative can reduce transmission of HSV-2 for women.