Effect of Condoms on Reducing the Transmission of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 From Men to Women

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Abstract
Recent estimates indicate that 22% of persons who are older than 12 years in the United States are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).1 Except for rare perinatal acquisition, HSV-2 infections are acquired by contact with infected secretions during sexual encounters.2 No prospective studies have been done on the effect of condoms on reducing HSV-2 transmission. As HSV can be shed from both mucosal and skin surfaces, concern has been raised regarding the ability of condoms to reduce sexual transmission of the virus.3