Condoms offer moderate protection against herpes simplex virus 2

Condom use is associated with moderate protection against the acquisition of herpes simplex virus 2 in both men and women, according to results of a new study.

The results indicated that the magnitude of protection offered by condoms against herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) was not as significant as the protection they offered against other STDs. However, the study’s researchers said the data reiterates that “condom use should continue to be recommended to both men and women for reducing risk of HSV-2 acquisition.” The researchers added that reducing HSV-2 “can have a substantial benefit for individuals as well as a public health impact at the population level.”

The researchers conducted a large pooled analysis of all available prospective data regarding the effects of condom use on HSV-2 acquisition. Six studies representing 5,384 participants and 2,040,894 follow-up days were identified by a review of publications through 2007.

All participants in the six studies were HSV-2-negative at baseline. During follow-up, 415 participants acquired HSV-2.

The results indicated that those participants who were consistent condom users – defined as people who used condoms during 100% of their sexual encounters – had a 30% lower risk of HSV-2 acquisition compared with those who never used condoms. The risk for HSV-2 acquisition increased “steadily and significantly with each unprotected sex act,” according to the results. The findings also indicated that condoms offered equal protection to both men and women against the acquisition of HSV-2.

Martin E et al. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169:1233-1240.