Perceptions About Genital Herpes: Bridging the Clinician–Patient Gap

Clinicians’ and patients’ perceptions of the transmission and management of genital herpes differed in many ways.

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause significant psychosocial distress. Investigators in Canada conducted an industry-sponsored online survey of 400 patients with genital herpes and 200 family doctors (not matched with the patients) to assess the emotional impact of the disease, perceived risks for transmission, and use patterns of antiviral therapy.

In general, physicians considered prevalent genital herpes to be more distressing than did patients; physicians also viewed the potential for sexual transmission to be more anxiety-provoking than did patients. Physicians reported more-frequent herpes-related office visits and more discussions of disease management than did patients. Whereas physicians estimate…

Reviewing Author

Anna Wald, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris

Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases

Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)