Herpes genitalis in women attending Planned Parenthood of New York City.

Abstract

A search for cytologic evidence of herpes genitalis in women attending centers of Planned Parenthood of New York City was undertaken to determine whether the choice of contraceptives could be playing a meaningful role in the transmission or manifestation of this disease. The study covered 2 1/2 years with correlated clinical data about contraceptives used. Cervical and vagina; cytology specimons were collected routinely at least once yearly. The affected cells are readily recognized in Papanicolaou stained specimens and have a high degree of diagnostic specificity. The disease is transmitted by direct conjugal contact. In some women it its affected by the menstrual cycle suggesting that hormonal factors have an influences. About 67,000 cytology specimens from 43,331 women were studied. Among these were 37 women with cytologic evidence of herpes (.09%). Those who were most likely to have the disease were young, had few or no children and a low family income. Trichomonas vaginalis was also found in 25 of the women with herpes and monilia in 2. The bacterial flora was mixed without Doderlein bacilli in most of the cases of herpes. Almost all the cases of herpes were discovered in the spring or early summer. Little difference was found between the women using different forms of contraceptive. The women using no contraceptives had a much higher rate of herpes (.3%) than any other group. There was no example of herpes in women with cervical cancer or carcinoma in situ. 2 had dysplasia before herpes was found but both had been treated and had no evidence of the previous dysplasia. It seems clear that the use of contraceptives does not add to the risk of herpes genitalis and may in some way lessen the risk. These data are within the range of reported cases from comparable clinics elsewhere.