Genital Herpes and How it Complicates HIV

Genital herpes is one of several sexually transmitted diseases that can complicate HIV treatment. With herpes genital health is compromised. In fact, the presence of genital herpes may increase the probability that HIV infection will occur. Let's look a little closer at genital herpes and the fact that with herpes genital health is compromised.

Incidence

• Forty-five million people or more than one in five Americans are infected with genital herpes.
• Most people are not aware they are infected.

  Proper Condom Use Can Prevent Herpes

Symptoms

• Open, painful sores in the genital area
• The sores typically take 2 to 4 weeks to heal.
• Outbreaks come and go, occurring about 4 to 5 times per year.

Treatment

• There is no treatment that cures herpes. The saying goes that "herpes is for life". However certain antiviral medications can shorten herpes outbreaks or decrease the frequency of outbreaks.
• Daily antiviral therapy for symptomatic genital herpes can reduce transmission to partners.

Antiviral Medications Used to Treat Genital Herpes

• Zovirax (acyclovir) Fact Sheet

• Valtrex (valacyclovir) Fact Sheet

Preventing Genital Herpes

• The only way to prevent genital herpes infection other than abstinence from sex, is by using condoms during each oral, anal, or vaginal sexual episode. By preventing herpes genital health is maintained.

  Condom Buying Guide