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HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/3/2008 10:22:59 PM

HeavansKeeper

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Edit: The issue is not "Does it matter, yes or not?" The question is "How much does it matter to you, and in what ways?"

There are a handful of diseases that are worth not sleeping with someone for, and a few worth not bonding fluidly.

I, for one, am very scared of STD's, but there's one in particular that doesn't bother me: HPV.

I know it's quite common, I think the TV said nearly 30%? (That may be completely untrue) and that it may/does lead/cause/contribute to cervical cancer, but I simply don't worry about it. Truth be told, I've never been checked for HPV =(.

(As for not caring because, as a man, I can't get cervical cancer is foolish, that's not the reason. It simply doesn't have a stigma to me. It's like the warts virus, or rhino virus to me. Perhaps in 5 years this will be a laughably stupid post [like AIDS chasers] but I am curious.)

So what of it, how do you feel about you and your partner(s) and HPV?

A basic link about HPV.

< Message edited by HeavansKeeper -- 8/3/2008 10:45:54 PM >

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/3/2008 10:35:26 PM

katie978

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Yep, HPV isn't one of the big baddies...particularly since it has basically no effect of men. Usually there aren't any symptoms or anything. There's no cure...it goes away on it's own.

As a woman, I worry about it because it can cause infertility and cancer. I haven't been vaccinated because I don't sleep around and the vaccine sometimes kills girls, but I'd want to know if my partner had it, so I could avoid unprotected sex until he was rid of it.

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/3/2008 11:37:29 PM

MistressSybella

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The vaccine sometimes kills girls? You are talking about Gardisil, yes? Where did you get that information?

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/3/2008 11:45:35 PM

hlen5

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I don't know if I would take the vaccine or let my daughter take it (if I had one). I don't entirely trust the way drugs are tested and don't know if there will be complications of the vaccine down the road.
As far as not being concerned because one is male, can't HPV be transmitted sexually? I think that's a big concern.
On the other hand, getting rid of 70% of one's cervical cancer risk seems like a good thing to me.

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/3/2008 11:59:21 PM

Caius

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Just a few points for the sake of accurate medical information:

First, the numbers for people estimated to be infected with HPV are significantly higher than 30%. Some estimates suggest that 85-90% of the global sexually active population has some form of HPV, though in the vast majority of cases the virus will be dormant and no symptoms present. Even most of the more conservative estimates place the number at over 50%. Second, HPV (or more specifically, certain strains) IS the virus that causes genital warts, in both men and women. What's more, the virus has also been implicated in increased risk for certain cancers in men as well, including penile, mouth and throat cancers, but the increased risk is marginal and still somewhat debated.

Lastly, to my knowledge no woman has died as the result of being vacinated with gardasil, but it is true that there have been sporadic reports of farily severe reactions, but nothing yet reported in medical literature (again, that I've seen anyway); gardasil was tested on a pretty sizable group of women prior to its release with no report of significant side-effects, so I'm leaning towards believing the unsubstantiated reports are the general kind of paniced reaction that have always acompanied the release of a vaccine. Which is not to say that I generally don't share hlen's concerns about the way such products are rubber-stamped by the agencies meant to ensure they are safe; I've just yet to see any valid evidence for these particular claims.

Edited to add: katie, one point you should be aware of -- HPV, unlike many STD's, is not protected against very well by traditional condoms because no actual exchange of fluids needs to necesarily take place; any contact between the genitals and peripheral regions or between said areas and the mouth can lead to infection (though cases of oral transmission are believed to be extremely rare). Female condoms are believed to possibly provide some more extensive protection by covering more of the external female genitalia, but this too is unsubstantiated.

< Message edited by Caius -- 8/4/2008 12:46:46 AM >

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 12:02:03 AM

L8bloomer

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Penile cancer can be caused by HPV. It may not be a high risk thing, but it's still a possibility. I would think penile cancer matters, as does cervical cancer. And anal cancer too.

The Centers for Disease Control info page: http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#cause

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 12:14:48 AM

hermione83

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This is probably a stupid question, but is it humanly possible to get HPV without having sex? And does anyone know why you can't get the vaccine past 26? I only have a little over a half a year to decide whether to get this vaccine..

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 12:24:01 AM

untndedrosegardn

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quote:

ORIGINAL: hermione83

This is probably a stupid question, but is it humanly possible to get HPV without having sex? And does anyone know why you can't get the vaccine past 26? I only have a little over a half a year to decide whether to get this vaccine..

The reason they dont offer the vaccine after age 26 is because it is presumed that by that age most have already contracted the virus. It is that prevalent. And HPV in general is the Human Papiloma Virus, which is what causes warts. So yes, it can in fact be contracted without sex, because it covers all types of warts. However, only certain strains are the ones that cause such high cancer risks and only certain strains are sexually transmitted.
In regards to men and HPV, with the limited research I have seen; I dont beleive there is any commonly used 'test' they can do on males to see if they are a carrier. Unlike with females where the most common test is a pap. So unless there is an active visible lesion, most men would be completely unaware of the issue.

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 12:29:49 AM

hermione83

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Errr, so, well... the types of HPV though, in the vaccine, I'm guessing will not prevent warts of say, the hand, right? lol Seriously though. I'm 25, I haven't had sex. They shouldn't decide all people by 26 would have the virus. I may one day. I don't know. I dunno whether to get the vaccine or not. The vaccine doesn't have anything live in it that could cause me to get HPV, would it?

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 12:32:12 AM

Caius

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No concern regarding the spread of an STD (or any disease) is stupid one, short of the old "herpes from a toilet seat" myth. ;)

The answer to your question is yes. There are some strains of HPV which are spread by dermal contact between parts of the body besides the anogenital region. However, these are not the strains which will cuase you to develop cervical cancer (which are termed "high-risk" types). These are common everyday wart strains and can be treated fairly easily. However, if you are asking if intercourse is the only way to contract the high-risk varities then no, this is not the case; other sexual activities besides vaginal intercourse are believed to lead to contraction of high risk types.

Edited to add: With regard to your question for untded, no, gardasil is not a live virus vaccine, there's no risk in that regard. Also, the recomendation of the vaccine to women under 26 is not necesarily just because of likehood of previous exposure at that age. There are several other reasons why it is recommended to women specficifally in that range. This is the group which has been most closely studied in trials to date and insurance companies were quick (before the release of the vaccine, even) to jump on this excuse to not cover the vaccine for women of other ages, though there is no evidence to date to suggest any side-effects would be any more prevalent in the closer age-ranges (Merck has not yet gotten the green light to market the product to women of an older age, but this is certainly a temporary situation); hence if you want it later it will proabably not be counterindicated, but it may cost you more. Same story with men.

Edited again to correct my false statement about the current availability to women oover 26.

< Message edited by Caius -- 8/4/2008 1:03:03 AM >

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 12:36:22 AM

Caius

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You beat me to the punch. And yes, you're right, there is no routine test that is conducted to detect the presence of high-risk HPV types in men, though there exists one procedure which is unfortunately invasive in a manner which tends to keep men wide away from it...

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 7:07:46 AM

Viridana

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quote:

ORIGINAL: hermione83

Errr, so, well... the types of HPV though, in the vaccine, I'm guessing will not prevent warts of say, the hand, right? l

The vaccine protects you against strains no. 16 and 18 which have a preference for the cervix and vaginal mucosa. So no, other strains (there are well over 100 strains known to scientists) are still contractable to you, those strains however have not to this date been linked to cervical cancer.

As a person who got cervical cancer by the age of 21 due to HPV infection (yup, the guy I lost my virginity to 5 years earlier infected me), with consequent infertility I strongly advise to take vaccine. Specially do I advise parents to have their pre-teen/early teen daughters to be vaccinated before they become sexually active.

As a medical student who has this issue close at heart, I have reviewed all the litterature about this vaccine and followed the clinical tests in my own country. There is no risk of death (as someone stated above) and there ever crawling myths that vaccinations are baaaad is exactly that... myths. It is extremely important to take every measure available (and we are extremely lucky that there is now a method of prevention) to prevent young women of having cervical cancer. The virus is only going spread more and we haven't today even seen the peak of cervical cancer incidences.

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 7:17:03 AM

Hizprincess

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HPV has no cure, it does not go away, guys can not be tested, and over half the population has it. If i had a daughter i would get her the vaccine, but i do not nor will ever be faced with that issue. The deal is O/one should be tested, and make sure they do not develop the warts or cancer for it.

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 7:20:44 AM

MamaDomme1

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~~FR~~

HPV is very serious.... and yes, men can certainly pass on the virus to others. As a former nurse, I have seen some pretty severe cases of HPV.... inside the mouth, the vaginal areas being covered completely closed, the entire rectal area.....

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 7:39:56 AM

Tantriqu

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Active HPV infection is a deal breaker! And it is one of the baddies. 50% of North American men have had the infection, partly because it can be on areas above where the condom reaches. They have found cervical cancer in women whose only exposure was from blowjobs, and oral cancers in both sexes from the same, as well as penis cancer. Yes, it happens, but one in a thousand.

I always have my candidates checked. Before I insisted on seeing the results, one guy said he'd been tested. On inspection, he had a venereal wart!!! Sure enough, he had gone for testing, but he never returned for results. Very. Bad. Dog.

The biggest trouble with the vaccine is it isn't as effective in men; unfortunate, since that would have been the answer. No deaths from Gardisil, so please stop spreading bullshit.

So both men and women should be tested [yes, there is a test, and it's not 'invasive': stop scaring the penises!! ;-)]

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 7:41:11 AM

cuddlemesoft1

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Does anyone know if this vaccine has been or will be tested for young men? If there is a slight chance for men to get cancer than I would think it would be a good idea. Also, a bigger issue, it may keep a man from passing it on to women who haven't been vaccinated for one reason or another.

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 7:53:17 AM

Vendaval

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The answers to questions on HPV can be found here -
Safety of the HPV vaccine
This vaccine has been licensed by the FDA and approved by CDC as safe and effective. It was studied in thousands of females (ages 9 through 26 years) around the world and its safety continues to be monitored by CDC and the FDA. Studies have found no serious side effects. The most common side effect is soreness in the arm (where the shot is given). There have recently been some reports of fainting in teens after they got the vaccine. For this reason, it is recommended that patients wait in their doctor’s office for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine.htm

Among men who do develop health problems, these are some of the signs to look for:
Signs of genital warts:

One or more growths on the penis, testicles, groin, thighs, or anus.
Warts may be raised, flat, or cauliflower-shaped. They usually do not hurt.
Warts may appear within weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected person.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-and-men.htm

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 1:24:35 PM

Peredur

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Hi,
I feel the need to chime in.

There is currently no, reliable, easily accessable, test for men for HPV.

HPV is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is transmitted by skin to skin contact.

The cells affectedy depend on the strain of HPV involved.
The strain that causes "Genital warts" likes the transition area between dry and mucous areas, the edge of the urethral opening, the anus and the vagina.
The strains that are implicated in cervical cancer are also involved with some rectal cancers of men and women.
The relative age of a person, primarily, determines whether they have been exposed.
The more sex you have is an indicator only because we have so much intimate contact not because of the actual penatration. Condoms and dental dams are no protection from HPV.

I recommend the V. A website, and the Canadian CDC. The US CDC site has too much of a political agenda for my comfort.

Here are the sites I use for safer sex information.

San Francisco Aids Foundation   http://www.sfaf.org/aidsinfo/faqs

Canadian CDC   http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dc-ma/sti-its/index-eng.php

Vetrans Administration   http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/

SF City Clinic   http://www.sfcityclinic.org/stdbasics/stdchart.asp

Have fun, be safe.
Perry

Truth is the cry of all, but the game of few.
George Bishop Berkely

P.S.
It is possible to get HPV, and cervical cancer with out ever having sex

< Message edited by Peredur -- 8/4/2008 1:27:26 PM >

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 4:29:04 PM

fluffyswitch

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i'm probably not as concerned as i should be. cervical cancer is treatable, and is often caught early. i know that doesn't mean that it's okay to be unprotected, but at the same time the vaccine does only cover two strains predominantly, and i'm already high risk for cervical cancer for reasons other that HPV. i really have no interest in having children and already planned on adopting if i do have children. i'm more concerned with viruses that will most likely lead to direct health implications than ones that 'may' turn out to have health implications.

i see this as being the same with any other health decisions- weighing the pros versus the cons. what works for me won't work for anyone else and vice versa. so i'm aware that many may see it as being a stupid risk to take, but it's my risk to take.

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RE: HPV: Does It Matter? - 8/4/2008 8:02:37 PM

katie978

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There have been a few cases of death...one particularly publicized one I read in the media a few weeks ago that I was thinking of: http://www.newswatch50.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=593e08c7-3189-4d87-8df0-26b7b1a5d6df&rss=136 . According to the article, the deaths of 17 other women have been linked to the drug. The FDA states that many of the deaths that were proven to be at least partially caused by Gardisil were because the vaccine complicated other health issues (two were on the pill, died of blood clot, the other had heart issues) http://www.plannedparenthood.org/montana/saftey-of-the-hpv-vaccine-gardasil.htm . CBS News quotes a figure of 18 deaths http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/07/eveningnews/main4239462.shtml.

Admittedly, this risk is relatively low, as vaccines go. The news tends to sensationalize everything. However, that's not a risk that I'm willing to take for myself, right now. I know the risks of HPV...my mother worked at an OB-GYN and spent my teenage years regaling me with horror stories. I don't know if it's a risk I would put my (imaginary) 9-year-old daughter through either.

Also...um...testing that tests for HPV doesn't actually come up positive unless the person has an active infection. My GYN lectured me quite thoroughly that I could have the infection and never know-no matter how often I get tested. The same holds true for men: HPV isn't even on a typical STD panel because it's so easy to come up with a false negative. So even with testing for both partners, the possibility that the disease might be present is very much there-even if there are no symptoms.

I apologize for "spreading bullshit"...I was merely quoting the papers and the FDA. Damned FDA...making up bullshit.

< Message edited by katie978 -- 8/4/2008 8:07:49 PM >

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