HIV
Gynecological Problems in HIV Women
Certain gynecological (GYN) conditions are more common, more serious and/or more difficult to treat in
HIV+ women than HIV -women. If left untreated, some GYN
infections can develop into more serious conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or cervical cancer.
HIV AIDS Books
Which GYN Conditions are Most Problematic?
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV, genital herpes)
There are many forms of herpes. The most common forms of herpes are herpes simplex
virus-1 and herpes simplex virus-2. Although herpes-1 is most often associated with
cold sores, both forms may be sexually transmitted and can cause genital herpes.
Like other viruses, herpes remains in your body for life. It hibernates in nerve roots when
it's not causing symptoms such as painful blisters or open sores in the genital area. Herpes outbreaks can happen
over and over again and may be linked to stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, menstruation, or genital friction.
HIV
HIV+ women tend to have more frequent and more difficult-to-treat herpes breakouts than HIV-negative women. Studies
have found that, in HIV+ people who also have herpes, just treating HIV does not necessarily lessen the number or
severity of herpes outbreaks. Herpes can be treated using antiviral drugs such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir
(Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir).
Human Papillomavirus (HPV, warts)
Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 6.2 million Americans become infected with genital
HPV every year. Studies suggest that over 50% of all sexually active men and women become infected with HPV at some
time in their lives.
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