People with genital herpes are at a higher risk of acquiring HIV, because the normal barrier provided by a mucous membrane is broken by the herpes sores. Those with genital herpes may want to more strongly consider taking HIV PEP, which can reduce the chances of acquiring an HIV infection.
Genital herpes is a common STD that causes sores on the genitals. After the initial infection by the virus that causes herpes (which is called HSV), the virus enters the nerve cells, where it can lie dormant permanently. The sores will heal, but the virus can reactivate periodically and cause a new round of sores to appear in the same region as the initial ones.
Although the sores caused by %genital herpes% are uncomfortable and are a nuisance for those who have the virus, the infection is not dangerous for most people. It doesn’t cause other health problems in those with healthy immune systems, although it can cause a brain infection in a newborn if passed from mother to baby during the birth process. Mothers with genital herpes may need to give birth by cesarean section to avoid exposing the baby.
However, the virus is easily passed on to one’s sexual partners. It spreads through direct contact with an infected surface. Condoms can provide some protection, but if the herpes infection is outside of the area covered by the condom, then it can still spread. Genital herpes does not require the exchange of sexual fluids to be transmitted.
The sores caused by genital herpes also increase the risk of acquiring an HIV infection. This is because a healthy mucous membrane provides a barrier against the entry of HIV into the body. Herpes sores provide a break in this barrier, through which HIV can enter and gain access to the bloodstream. Once HIV is in the bloodstream, it can establish a lifelong infection.
People who have had an exposure to HIV may be advised to take postexposure prophylaxis (%HIV PEP%). This is a regimen of HIV medications taken for four weeks after the exposure. HIV PEP helps to decrease the risk of acquiring the infection as a chronic health condition.
Those who have genital herpes may have an increased need for HIV PEP. If a sexual encounter with an HIV-positive partner occurs when herpes sores are present, the encounter would be riskier than usual, and HIV PEP should be strongly considered. Keep in mind that PEP is not intended for ongoing exposures; it’s recommended in the case of a single known exposure to HIV. It may also be recommended after a sexual assault if the perpetrator’s HIV status is unknown.
To obtain %HIV PEP in Singapore%, you can visit an STD clinic. You can be certain that your privacy will be protected in this setting, and that you can also obtain any other STD testing that may be of benefit to you. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, and would like to consider HIV PEP in Singapore, please contact an STD clinic to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 19 May 2016. Accessed 15 Jun 2016. http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Diseases and conditions – genital herpes.” Mayo Clinic. Published 21 May 2014. Accessed 15 Jun 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/basics/causes/con-20020893
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “HIV Basics – Testing.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 5 May 2016. Accessed 15 Jun 2016 http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. “Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).” AIDS.gov. Published 21 Sep 2015. Accessed 15 Jun 2016. https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/post-exposure-prophylaxis/
References
Genital at Shim Clinic, Singapore