infections
Genital Herpes
Prevention of Genital Herpes
Because HSV infection is contagious, people with genital herpes should use Condoms at all times. Even when there are no visible blisters and no symptoms, the virus may be present on the genitals and can be spread to sex partners. Because condoms protect only the penis and areas touched by the penis, other areas on the genitals are still at risk even when condoms are used. For example, a herpes sore on a woman's labia may cause infection of skin near the penis. Pregnant women should tell their doctor if they have had a past genital herpes infection or have a new infection during pregnancy. Women who have an outbreak of genital herpes at any time during pregnancy should be treated with antivirals starting at 36 weeks of pregnancy to decrease the risk of an outbreak at the time of delivery. If women have a genital herpes outbreak at the time of delivery, a Cesarean Delivery is done to prevent transmission to the newborn. 