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Bacterial vaginosis boosts herpes risk |
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Genital Herpes -
Herpes Information
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Written by Shape
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Wednesday, 01 March 2006 |
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Having bacterial vaginosis (BV), a very common gynecological infection, makes you more than twice as likely to contract genital herpes if you're exposed to it, according to a University of Pittsburgh study of 670 women, most under age 26. Exactly why vulnerability to herpes is increased isn't known, but BV may compromise your ability to fight off other infections. Previous research also has found that women with BV are more likely to be infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Often, women with BV have no symptoms, although they may experience a thin, watery vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. "Many women believe such symptoms are a result of poor hygiene or are embarrassed and do not report them to their physician, but you should seek treatment if you notice them," says researcher Thomas L. Cherpes, M.D., an infectious-disease specialist. "It is increasingly evident that BV is not a harmless condition." BV may be transmitted sexually and can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. And pregnant women with BV are more likely to deliver premature or low-birth-weight babies.--K.D. COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
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