Gel reduces women’s herpes risk, study shows

A vaginal gel that reduces a woman’s risk of becoming infected with the AIDS virus is proving to be even more effective against genital herpes, according to a new study reported in the New York Times. The microbicide gel, whose active ingredient is a drug called tenofovir, was created to reduce the risk of AIDS infection in Africa, but it shows great potential to reduce the chance of getting infected with herpes, too. The World Health Organization estimates that one-fifth of all sexually active adults have herpes. Getting the gel approved for the U.S. market would cost millions and take at least a few years.

New York Times