(19 Jul 2001)

More than half of those living with genital herpes are dissatisfied with their current treatment, yet many are unaware of the full extent of treatment options available to them. Lack of information resources and low awareness of support networks may be at fault.

These findings, which were presented at the International Congress of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (ISSTDR) in Berlin (24 – 28 June 2001), are the results of an international survey conducted among people with genital herpes from France, Greece, Italy, Sweden, South Africa and Australia.[1]

The research showed that 60% are not happy with their treatment. More than half (55%) were receiving a form of treatment known as episodic therapy. People using episodic therapy take their medication only when they start experiencing a recurrence of genital herpes. The other type of treatment, suppressive therapy, involves taking antiviral medication on a continual basis to help suppress or prevent episodes. Just 22% of the respondents were receiving this type of treatment. Those using suppressive therapy were significantly more satisfied with their therapy, perceiving the major benefits to be relief of symptoms and fewer episodes.

Of those individuals receiving episodic treatment, 69% had never heard of suppressive therapy. Once suppressive therapy had been explained, however, the vast majority were interested in this form of treatment, with just 7% stating that they did not feel it would be necessary for them.

The survey also showed that there was an acute lack of awareness about herpes support groups. Australia was an exception, however, where 47% of respondents were aware of support groups and 18% belonged to such a group.

‘It is our aim to help more countries establish patient support initiatives to bring valuable information and resources to people with herpes, wherever they live,’ explained Robyn, Patient Mentor of the IHA.

Greatest concern is infecting partners

Other concerns raised by survey respondents were related to transmission of infection. Infecting others was one of the biggest fears for over 70% of people. Many felt that by taking suppressive therapy, they would be preventing or reducing the risk of infecting partners. This benefit has not yet been proven but research to investigate this possibility is in progress.

For further information on episodic and suppressive treatment, see our information leaflet, Treatment Options for Genital Herpes.
The IHA is committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information available on treatments for genital herpes. You can keep abreast of these developments by revisiting the IHA website on a regular basis.

Reference:

1. Patel R, Strand A. Patient attitudes to genital herpes disease, diagnosis and therapy (abstract). ISSTDR/ IUSTI, Berlin, June 2001.