 | | | | Related Healthscout Videos | |
|
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Genital herpes is on the decline, according to a new study.
Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people in the United States infected with HSV-2 has steadily increased for about two decades. Recent analyses of a 1999 to 2004 survey reveal this trend may finally be reversing.
Text Continues Below
Researchers from the CDC in Atlanta compared the national rates in a 1988 to 1994 survey to the most recent 1999 to 2004 survey. They found that overall HSV-2 had decreased from 21 percent to 17 percent. They attribute the decrease to several factors, such as careful partner selection, condom use, or choosing oral sex over vaginal sex.
The other herpes virus, herpes simplex type 1, which is typically transmitted during childhood via non-sexual contact and is the cause of cold sores, has also decreased. Although it is not caused by sexual contact, it can be the principal cause of genital herpes. Researchers conclude that while the prevalence of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 has gone down, the incidence of genital herpes being caused by HSV-1, such as through oral sex, is increasing.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2006;296:964-973
|
.gif)
