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Layering: Combining Spermicidal Foams & Jellies With Condoms For Protection Against Genital Herpes

Condoms should not be relied upon when herpes sores or symptoms are present; however, spermicidal foams and jellies may offer additional protection. Spermicides used in contraceptive foams, film and gels kill or neutralize HSV in laboratory tests and may provide some protection when used in the vagina.

In order to reduce the risk of transmitting the herpes virus, the use of condoms is recommended; however, condoms do not guarantee safety because the herpes sore or lesion is not always located in an area covered by the condom.  Spermicidal foams and jellies may offer additional protection to kill or neutralize the HSV. 

Some contraceptive foams contain ingredients (such as nonoxynol-9) that kill the herpes virus and other STD's in test tubes.  Foams are best used along with condoms, not in place of condoms. 

Use latex condoms between outbreaks. Condoms offer useful protection against herpes protecting or covering the mucous membranes, the most likely sites of infection.  The herpes virus does not pass through latex condoms and when properly used latex condoms are likely to reduce your risk of spreading or getting herpes, however even the best condoms do not guarantee total safety.  When herpes sores occur in places not covered by a condom the condom is of little help, if any.  Condoms and foams should not be relied upon when herpes sores or symptoms are present.  Used consistently, however, condoms are one of the best available forms of prevention.

Genital herpes is due to a herpes simplex virus - there are two types- imaginatively called type 1 (associated with cold sores and up to half of the cases of genital herpes- usually through oral sex) and type 2 (usually passed on through vaginal or anal sex).  More women than men are affected.

Herpes can be caught with skin to skin contact when symptoms are active. However the virus is shed from the skin when there are no symptoms, so may be passed on in the absence of lesions.

The chance of infection is high if you have sex with someone with active lesions - condoms do not offer full protection - therefore it is best not to have sex from the time symptoms occur until they are fully over. 

The chance of catching herpes is low when symptoms are not active, and using condoms will reduce this risk.

Tags: foams, Herpes simplex virus, HSV, jellies, latex condoms, lesions, nonoxynol 9, spermicides, transmission

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