Other Complications of Genital Herpes
The most serious complications of genital herpes affect infants born to women who have active infections at the time
of birth. About 50 to 60 percent of newborns who contract disseminated heres infections die and half of those who
survive may suffer brain damage or blindness. Many doctors recommend that the baby be delivered by cesarean if the
mother has an active infection near the time of delivery. The decision of whether to have a cesarean should be made
early in labor, since cesarean becomes a less effective preventive measure the longer the membranes have been ruptured.
Women who have had genital herpes also are advised to have frequent examinations for active infection during the last
three months of pregnancy.
There have been reports of an increased incidence of cervical cancer among women with genital herpes, but the evidence
is not conclusive.
Treatment of Genital Herpes
As noted earlier, the herpes virus remains in the body, and as yet, there is no cure for genital herpes. However, a
new drug, acyclovir, has been developed and recently approved for use in the U.S., that will shorten the length of
symptoms with the first attack, which is generally the most severe. It works by interfering with the replications of
the virus, thus speeding the healing process in the first episode, but it does not prevent recurrence. Tests are now
being conducted on an oral form of the drug. An intravenous form, recently approved for use in the U.S., appears to
be the most effective in severe cases.
Other types of treatment include the use of lasers to "vaporize" the herpes sores.
Prevention of Genital Herpes
The surest way of preventing herpes is avoiding all sexual contact with an infected person. Use of a condom and spermicidal
agent will reduce the risk, but this is not absolutely foolproof, particularly when the lesions are on the skin of the
perineum and not on the penis or in the vagina.
Psychological Factors
Although genital herpes itself is not usually a medically serious disease, it can lead to depression and other emotional
problems. Many victims tend to resent the sex partner from whom they contracted the disease, leading to divorce or the
breaking up of a relationship. Others consider themselves "unclean" or damaged for life, fearing that they are unfit for
marriage or a lasting relationship. A number of herpes counseling centers and groups have been formed throughout the country
to lend support and help to victims of the disease.
Summing Up
Genital herpes has become the most widespread sexually transmitted disease in this country. While not as medically serious
as syphilis or gonorrhea, it is very uncomfortable and can recur at any time. It also can be life-threatening to infants who
are exposed to the herpes virus at the time of birth. A new drug has proven effective in easing the symptoms and speeding the
healing in patients with the first episode. Although other treatments are in the experimental stage, no cure exists as yet.
