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Genital Herpes

A Sexually Transmitted Herpes That Can Be Prevented

By Mark Cichocki, R.N., About.com

Updated: June 27, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Susan Olender, MD

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

Incidence

Symptoms

  • Open, painful sores in the genital area
  • The sores typically take 2 to 4 weeks to heal.
  • Outbreaks come and go, occuring 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 herpes can reduce transmission to partners.

Antiviral Medications Used to Treat Herpes

Prevention

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

    Condom Buying Guide

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