Incurable STDs - Infections

Genital Herpes III

Genital Herpes Infection: With and without symptoms Of those infected in the U.S. Source: American Social Health Association. Sexually Transmitted Diseases in America (Kaiser Family Foundation, 1998)

7. How can it be prevented?
The best protection against genital herpes is to avoid sexual contact with anyone who has herpes blisters or sores. Conversely, anyone who does have these symptoms should avoid sexual contact until they have healed and disappeared. Unfortunately, since some people may be infectious to others even without having any symptoms, this advice may not be enough to offer sufficient protection. Using a condom is not enough either, because it does not cover every area that could be infected. Still, using a male or female latex condom in combination with spermicides is definitely an important way of reducing the risk of infection. (“Natural” condoms made from sheep gut can be penetrated by the virus.) In any case, it may be useful to know the sex history of one’s partner and to make one’s decisions on that basis. Women who plan to become pregnant should be especially careful because they could infect their babies.