Condom use and the prevention of genital herpes acquisition

Genital herpes establishes a lifelong infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In contrast to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) may be transmitted to sexual partners many years after initial infection and at times when the source partner may be asymptomatic. Consequently, HSV-2 has become one of the most common STIs worldwide. Current therapies suppress but do not eradicate infection. While many studies have examined the degree of protection offered through the use of condoms against HSV-2 acquisition, findings have been either difficult to interpret or inconsistent. However, the body of evidence supports the efficacy of condoms in preventing HSV-2 infection among women. More data are required for HSV-2 prevention in men. The infrequent use of condoms during pregnancy, coupled with the high incidence of complications associated with HSV-2 acquisition at this time, warrants efforts to improve condom use among male partners of pregnant women at risk of HSV-2 infection.