Patients missing out on treatment for genital herpes
Publication Date:22/11/2007
Introduction
It's an embarrassing subject for many people, but myths about genital herpes are common. One in 5 people wrongly believe you can catch the virus from lavatory seats and many patients don't know there are treatments that can help with the symptoms, a new survey has shown. Even doctors have gaps in their knowledge about this common viral infection.
What do we already know?
Genital herpes is caused by a virus that is passed on through sexual activity. Most of the time it doesn't cause any symptoms and many people have the virus without realising it. From time to time, the virus flares up and causes sores on the genitals. It's similar to having a cold sore on your mouth, and can even be caused by the same virus.
Herpes isn't a serious illness, although the sores can be painful and some people with genital herpes find it upsetting.
Although genital herpes is common, and becoming more so, a new survey has found that many people with the virus are poorly informed about it. Even some of the doctors questioned didn't understand the condition as well as they should.
What does the new survey say?
The new research reveals some common misunderstandings. For example, some people believe that the virus can be caught from lavatory seats, through a blood transfusion or by shaking hands. In fact, genital herpes can only be passed on through close sexual contact.
The survey also found that people were missing out on treatment. Anti viral drugs, such as aciclovir (brand name Zovirax) and valaciclovir (Valtrex), can be used to clear up an attack of symptoms, yet only 2 in 10 patients said they took drugs to help an attack.
In cases of repeated, severe attacks, doctors can also prescribe drugs on a regular basis to prevent outbreaks of herpes and reduce the risk of passing it on to sexual partners. Although doctors in the survey said they discussed this option with 6 in 10 patients, only 2 out of 10 to 3 out of 10 patients in the survey knew that regular treatment could help them.
Also, to reduce the risk of passing herpes onto a partner, most patients in the survey relied on avoiding sexual contact during an outbreak of symptoms. However it is possible to pass on the virus even when you don't have symptoms. In fact, 7 in 10 people catch herpes from someone with no immediate signs of the infection. Doctors recommend other ways of reducing this risk.
Where does the survey come from?
The survey was done by a researcher from the University of Alberta in Canada, working together with a market research company. Thousands of Canadians were contacted, and several hundred agreed to complete an online survey. The results appeared in a journal called Sexually Transmitted Infections, which is published by the BMJ.
What does this mean for me?
Understanding herpes and how it is passed on can help people avoid catching the condition, or deal with it if they do have it. Even though about 9 in 10 people are very upset to find out they have the virus, the same number say they learn to live with it. Your immune system keeps the virus under control most of the time, with a third of people in the survey saying they hadn't had any symptoms in the past year.
What should I do now?
If you're concerned that you might have any sexually transmitted infection, or want to check you're getting the right treatment, talk to your GP or contact your nearest sexual health clinic.
There's no totally effective way of preventing the spread of genital herpes, but if you or your partner has this virus, there are several things that can reduce the risk of passing it on. These are using male condoms regularly, taking antiviral medicines regularly and avoiding sexual contact with someone who's having an attack of symptoms.
If you're a woman and have an attack of herpes symptoms while you're pregnant, talk to your doctor. Doctors sometimes recommend a caesarean birth to reduce the risk of passing the virus to your baby.
From:
Romanowski B, Zdanowicz YM, Owens ST. In search of optimal genital herpes management and standard of care (INSIGHTS): doctors' and patients' perceptions of genital herpes. Sexually Transmitted Infections. Available at http://sti.bmj.com (accessed on 21 November 2007).
To read more, see our information on genital herpes.
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© BMJ Publishing Group Limited ("BMJ Group") 2007. All rights reserved
This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
