Summary of - Condom Herpes: an interesting entity

Genital herpes is one of the most prevalent STDs seen worldwide, with an estimated 491 million being affected. It can present in atypical and severe ulcerative forms, especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. Though a definitive antiviral treatment with acyclovir, valacyclovir or other derivatives exists, the property of latency and reactivation leads to its increasing incidence and prevalence. The common sites of involvement in the males are the glans, prepuce, and shaft of the penis. The male condom, if used appropriately, is the most effective among the barrier methods of contraception, with an additional advantage of protection from STDs. However, it has a failure rate of up to 13%. The efficacy of condoms in preventing herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) transmission is well known; condoms are often associated with a decreased risk of HSV-2 transmission, yet it is not fool proof. Here, we describe a male who developed a primary episode of genital herpes at the base of the penis, despite proper usage of condoms during intercourse. This presentation can be likened to condom chancre, a well known entity of primary syphilis. Keywords: condoms, genital herpes, chancre, sexually transmitted diseases, herpes simplex virus-2