Gel Cuts Women’s Risk of Herpes, Study Finds

By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.

Published: October 20, 2011

A vaginal gel that sharply reduces a woman’s risk of infection with the AIDS virus is even more effective against genital herpes, a much more common risk for young American women, a new study has found…The study, by researchers suggests that the microbicide gel, which was originally developed to fight AIDS in Africa, could lower the incidence of herpes in many women. “This could be incredibly helpful,” said Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, a herpes expert from the University of Washington’s medical school. “Protection that a woman can control is the holy grail in this field. It’s hard for me to believe that something that protects against both H.I.V. and herpes wouldn’t be appealing to a lot of young American women.”… In the Caprisa trial, the gel was used within a few hours before and after sex. Another trial now going on is testing whether using it daily is more effective… The  gel may be even more effective against herpes than the 51 percent figure reached in the Caprisa study. Among the subset of women who said they used it consistently and who gave back enough empty gel applicator tubes to confirm they were telling the truth, the protection rate against H.I.V. was 54 percent and the protection rate against herpes was 62 percent, Dr. Karim said. 

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From my point of view this gel is a very good idea. It is important solve the problem of herpes because lots of women suffer from it. The gel can be useful for them.  From researchers point of view women can spend happier times of live without any problems. On the other hand some people do not believe it because they think it is one of the other lies. For example women who live in Africa believe nothing because they have got very difficult life and they do not think something can be useful for them. However, other girls that have got these problems should try the gel. If it will be successful and they will talk about it around the world lots of women will try it and they will get rid of disease.