1 In 6 Americans Have Genital Herpes

Some startling statistics have recently emerged, with the US health officials declaring that about 16% of the female population in America between the ages of 14 and 49 are infected with genital herpes.

This makes genital herpes one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the country.

These statistics are more worrying for women than men and black women in particular.

As many as 48% black women are infected and twice as many women as men are infected. Though there are drugs available for symptomatic relief from genital herpes outbreaks, there is no cure for this disease. What is also worrying is that sufferers often have such innocuous symptoms that they are unaware of having the disease and are then likely to pass it on.

According to one expert, it is not increased risky behavior that was seen to increase rates of infection among black communities and among women; rather this is more likely owed itself to biological factors.

These statistics remind us of the central importance of consistent, correct and regular use of condoms will all sexual partners, which is the only way to reduce spread of the disease if not stop its reach.

Source: Reuters