Abstract: Objective To investigate the preventive effect of oral indomethacin on frequent recurrence of genital herpes.Methods One hundred and seventy-six patients with recurrent genital herpes (more than six times within a year)but no contraindication to indomethacin were enrolled and divided into 4 groups (A,B,C,D).The A,B,C,D groups received oral indomethacin combined with acyclovir,acyclovir degressive treatment,oral acyclovir therapy during every episode,and intermittent use of oral indomethacin only,respectively for a year.All patients were followed up once every month for the record of recurrence and side effects.Results The average recurrence frequency of all groups was between 9.6 and 10 times per year before the suppressive therapy.After 1-year suppressive treatment,it dropped to three times,three times,seven times and four times per year,and decreased by 67%,70%,30%,62% respectively, in group A,B,C and D.The main side-effect of oral indomethacin was mild lid edema (10%),and that of oral acyclovir was headache and dizziness (10%).Conclusion Intermittent use of oral indomethacin can reduce the recurrence frequency of genital herpes by 62%～67%.

Key words: Herpes, genitalis, Recurrence, Indomethaein