zengirl Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 It's pretty sad indeed that 90% of people are dumb enough to have condomless sex with other people who've had condomless sex with other people who've had condomless sex. Definitely there are some cases of mistakes (young and uneducated, or people cheating, etc), but the majority of it is just caused by dumb ignorance. HPV increases your risk of cervical cancer by a significant %. Saying 'HPV is okay because most of it doesn't cause cancer' is like saying crossing a road blindfolded is okay because most of the time the cars will see you in time to avoid you. I think HPV is one of those risks you've just got to live with, personally, as it's so common. I did get vaccinated. But, there's no test for men. And, personally, I only use barrier methods/condoms early in a relationship before monogamy and such. I always get tested and have my partner do the same, though having been vaccinated for HPV, there's no test (beyond an abnormal pap) that's going to tell me I have HPV now either. But HPV is less avoidable than other STDs. It just is. To me, it's no different than how I feel about flu viruses. The flu kills people; doesn't kill most of them. Doesn't mean I'm going to significantly impact my life by trying not to get the flu. With screening, cervical cancer doesn't have to kill you either. Not that I want to have it, but I'm not going to use condoms until I get married over it either. And even then, you could marry a partner who had it without knowing. I don't see people as dumb if they have sex in a monogamous relationship without a condom, but then again, I do it.
Els Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 Sadly the majority of those statistics are probably caused by people NOT using barriers for sex in non-monogamous Rs. If everyone only ever had barrier-less sex with their monogamous partners, we definitely wouldn't have a 90% statistic.
Girlygirl1977 Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 I know quite a bit about HPV because a friend of mine was part of the team that launched the vaccine. The reason people are less concerned is likely because of the many strains of HPV, only a few cause warts or cervical cancer (PAP smears will check for this variety which is likely to cause cervical cancer). Those are the ones which there is now a vaccine for and I've gone through (vaccinated) that because of what my friend told me. Even still, most of the strands do clear up within one year as well in a person with a healthy immune system. You will technically still have it I guess bc it is a virus and leaves a marker. Since only a small amount cause cervical cancer and the ones which cause genital warts are non-cancerous this may also be why it has less of a negative-hype. I think it does make sense for people to be more educated though because I didn't realize how prevalent it was.
Crazy Magnet Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 Let's talk about how not only can HPV lead to cervical cancer, but also, it can lead to head and neck cancer--usually base of tongue or tonsil. In fact, HPV is quickly becoming the leading cause for head and neck cancer in the United States and younger and younger people are being diagnosed. The disease used to be for old men who smoked and drank, but not so anymore. HPV is a risk for BOTH men and women. Two papers have come out in scientific journals where the HPV related head and neck cancer strain was passed between monogamous couples. So, cancer as an STD. Wrap your head around that one and tell me HPV isn't a big deal! The culprit of this is thought to be the increase of oral sex and both men and woman are at an equal risk of HPV related head and neck cancer from multiple oral sex partners. Most people don't use protection for this type of sex and many people considering it "not sex" (thanks Clinton!) If you have ever seen someone with half their tongue made out of their arm it's enough to make you never want to have oral sex again.
Els Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 Let's talk about how not only can HPV lead to cervical cancer, but also, it can lead to head and neck cancer--usually base of tongue or tonsil. In fact, HPV is quickly becoming the leading cause for head and neck cancer in the United States and younger and younger people are being diagnosed. The disease used to be for old men who smoked and drank, but not so anymore. HPV is a risk for BOTH men and women. Two papers have come out in scientific journals where the HPV related head and neck cancer strain was passed between monogamous couples. So, cancer as an STD. Wrap your head around that one and tell me HPV isn't a big deal! The culprit of this is thought to be the increase of oral sex and both men and woman are at an equal risk of HPV related head and neck cancer from multiple oral sex partners. Most people don't use protection for this type of sex and many people considering it "not sex" (thanks Clinton!) If you have ever seen someone with half their tongue made out of their arm it's enough to make you never want to have oral sex again. THANK you. I always found it strange how a huge portion of the community was all crazy about organic foods and avoiding processed meat/red meat, etc, but extremely liberal about sexual activities that increase the risk of cancer.
Ay Diesel T Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 How about people don't care what the stats are, they don't want to come in contact with an STD? What's the big issue? If some chick told me she had an STD I'd calmly vacate the premises and never talk to her again. I like being STD free and will do whatever is available in my power to remain so (barring abstinence). Lol, honestly, if a woman told me I shouldn't be so worried about catching her Herpes because Genital Warts are worse, and started throwing a bunch of stats at me, I'd feel like some sheisty car salesman was trying to convince me to buy a Chrysler. The answer is no thanks, period.
Crazy Magnet Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 THANK you. I always found it strange how a huge portion of the community was all crazy about organic foods and avoiding processed meat/red meat, etc, but extremely liberal about sexual activities that increase the risk of cancer. There's no such thing as a tonsil pap smear. Most head and neck cancers are diagnosed at Stage III or IV, even in the young (like under 30). Makes you stop and think before you stick it in your mouth. GROSS!
Els Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 How about people don't care what the stats are, they don't want to come in contact with an STD? What's the big issue? If some chick told me she had an STD I'd calmly vacate the premises and never talk to her again. I like being STD free and will do whatever is available in my power to remain so (barring abstinence). Lol, honestly, if a woman told me I shouldn't be so worried about catching her Herpes because Genital Warts are worse, and started throwing a bunch of stats at me, I'd feel like some sheisty car salesman was trying to convince me to buy a Chrysler. The answer is no thanks, period. Assuming your claims of being a successful 'player' are true (which I doubt), I would be more concerned about my OWN STDs if I were you. You ever gotten yourself screened?
Girlygirl1977 Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 Let's talk about how not only can HPV lead to cervical cancer, but also, it can lead to head and neck cancer--usually base of tongue or tonsil. In fact, HPV is quickly becoming the leading cause for head and neck cancer in the United States and younger and younger people are being diagnosed. The disease used to be for old men who smoked and drank, but not so anymore. HPV is a risk for BOTH men and women. Two papers have come out in scientific journals where the HPV related head and neck cancer strain was passed between monogamous couples. So, cancer as an STD. Wrap your head around that one and tell me HPV isn't a big deal! The culprit of this is thought to be the increase of oral sex and both men and woman are at an equal risk of HPV related head and neck cancer from multiple oral sex partners. Most people don't use protection for this type of sex and many people considering it "not sex" (thanks Clinton!) If you have ever seen someone with half their tongue made out of their arm it's enough to make you never want to have oral sex again. Good points! It's interesting because after speaking to my friend who helped with vaccine, she highlighted these things too. There is no way I did or will do casual oral. Sadly, many do consider it less risky behavior than non-oral sex. I'm saving it for only when a relationship is more serious. Anyway HPV has consequences which are more dire so I agree that people should be more informed.
Els Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 There's no such thing as a tonsil pap smear. Most head and neck cancers are diagnosed at Stage III or IV, even in the young (like under 30). Makes you stop and think before you stick it in your mouth. GROSS! Does it pass easily from the woman to the man though? I think some selfish men are just callous because the ones at risk are usually the women receiving vaginal intercourse or giving oral sex. I read that men performing oral sex on women have a much, much lower risk of getting oral cancer from it. It's truly sad that one cannot have unprotected sex with a monogamous partner with no risk, due to the general blaseness of the community in general with regards to it, having spread it around through thoughtless unprotected ONS/sleeping around. Doing oral sex with a condom all the time gets old, I would imagine. I am fortunate that of the two men I've engaged in sexual activities with, one was a virgin and one has only had sexual activities with one long-term partner (who was a virgin) before. Granted, there is still risk; my ex could've lied or been infected in other ways, my partner's ex could've lied or cheated, etc. But it's acceptably low to me.
Girlygirl1977 Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 How about people don't care what the stats are, they don't want to come in contact with an STD? What's the big issue? If some chick told me she had an STD I'd calmly vacate the premises and never talk to her again. I like being STD free and will do whatever is available in my power to remain so (barring abstinence). Lol, honestly, if a woman told me I shouldn't be so worried about catching her Herpes because Genital Warts are worse, and started throwing a bunch of stats at me, I'd feel like some sheisty car salesman was trying to convince me to buy a Chrysler. The answer is no thanks, period. Men are not tested for HPV (except high risk populations - i.e. gay) so you could have it now and not know (if you have an asymptomatic variety). Also they dont even check women regularly till a certain age because most young women/teens would show they have HPV (but that type typically clears up on its own and so they wait till you are older). So really who knows - you could be a carrier already. . .
Girlygirl1977 Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 Does it pass easily from the woman to the man though? I think some selfish men are just callous because the ones at risk are usually the women receiving vaginal intercourse or giving oral sex. I read that men performing oral sex on women have a much, much lower risk of getting oral cancer from it. It's truly sad that one cannot have unprotected sex with a monogamous partner with no risk, due to the general blaseness of the community in general with regards to it, having spread it around through thoughtless unprotected ONS/sleeping around. Doing oral sex with a condom all the time gets old, I would imagine. I am fortunate that of the two men I've engaged in sexual activities with, one was a virgin and one has only had sexual activities with one long-term partner (who was a virgin) before. Granted, there is still risk; my ex could've lied or been infected in other ways, my partner's ex could've lied or cheated, etc. But it's acceptably low to me. I imagine the oral transference risk is similar. As for other types of sex - For women though we get more diseases vaginally because of the make-up and structure of our organs/cervic etc. There is a portion of the cervix which is most susceptible. For men, because of their structure - it is hard to "get things up there" so to speak. Anal cancer goes up due to certain HPV strands and this is more an issue in the male gay community.
Ay Diesel T Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 Assuming your claims of being a successful 'player' are true (which I doubt), I would be more concerned about my OWN STDs if I were you. You ever gotten yourself screened? Yes ma'am, and I came back clean.
zengirl Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 Men are not tested for HPV (except high risk populations - i.e. gay) so you could have it now and not know (if you have an asymptomatic variety). Also they dont even check women regularly till a certain age because most young women/teens would show they have HPV (but that type typically clears up on its own and so they wait till you are older). So really who knows - you could be a carrier already. . . Can men even be tested? I wasn't aware there was even a test developed (you note high risk populations)?
Girlygirl1977 Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 Can men even be tested? I wasn't aware there was even a test developed (you note high risk populations)? From what I've read, yes they can be tested. I imagine it is checking for abnormal cells - as far as anal cancer, you can guess where. There is the chance they can test for antibodies potentially too but I imagine they stay for life and are not so relevant if it is not-active. I have revisited info before posting though. . .
Crazy Magnet Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 Does it pass easily from the woman to the man though? I think some selfish men are just callous because the ones at risk are usually the women receiving vaginal intercourse or giving oral sex. I read that men performing oral sex on women have a much, much lower risk of getting oral cancer from it. It's truly sad that one cannot have unprotected sex with a monogamous partner with no risk, due to the general blaseness of the community in general with regards to it, having spread it around through thoughtless unprotected ONS/sleeping around. Doing oral sex with a condom all the time gets old, I would imagine. I am fortunate that of the two men I've engaged in sexual activities with, one was a virgin and one has only had sexual activities with one long-term partner (who was a virgin) before. Granted, there is still risk; my ex could've lied or been infected in other ways, my partner's ex could've lied or cheated, etc. But it's acceptably low to me. The most recent data are showing an equal risk for men and women and perhaps even an increased risk for men giving oral sex to multiple partners. Both men and women are popping up with HPV positive head and neck cancer so it's certainly not limited to women. If it turns out that HPV related cancer can really be spread through kissing though...wow!!! No one is immune to that in any way, male or female. Our oral anatomy is the same.
Els Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 The most recent data are showing an equal risk for men and women and perhaps even an increased risk for men giving oral sex to multiple partners. Both men and women are popping up with HPV positive head and neck cancer so it's certainly not limited to women. If it turns out that HPV related cancer can really be spread through kissing though...wow!!! No one is immune to that in any way, male or female. Our oral anatomy is the same. Oh, no, I meant men going down on women, not men giving oral sex to men. I read somewhere that it spreads a lot easier via penis compared to via vagina (just like HIV)... don't have the time to trace back the sources though. Now, kissing, that's a new one. Very, very sad. People have been kissing for ages though, wonder why the sudden increase in oral cancer?
Author pandagirl Posted February 28, 2011 Author Posted February 28, 2011 I was also going to add that herpes isn't the end of the world PANDAGIRL!! It is very common. No worries. Thanks. I know it is very common. 25% of the population has it. I don't feel like a leper, but sometimes people's reaction can make me feel that way. I just want people to be informed and education, instead of having some ill-informed reaction. Sex is ALWAYS risky
murah989 Posted February 28, 2011 Posted February 28, 2011 I'm getting a vibe from this thread which I feel is very backwards to what OP was going for. You guys can talk about being clean and unclean; the statistics of HPV, HSV all you want. The fact of the matter is that our bodies are LOADED with viruses, bacteria, and even parasites. Not just one, two, or three...but most likely millions, if not BILLIONS of them!!! If you have sex with anyone ( protected, unprotected) you will eventually catch something at some point in your life . So throw that conservative "Imma stay clean 4 ever" bull**** out the window. Stop having sex if you're so afraid of growing warts on your privates. What this thread should really have been about was the fact that people with STD's are PEOPLE who deserve love and respect from their fellow man/woman. We are no pariahs. Some of us have made stupid decisions--fine-- but that doesn't mean we are considered lower class citizens who don't deserve a healthy, loving, relationship. Research and statistics are just that...cold hard numbers. But that won't mean anything once you've found the love of your life.
SincereOnlineGuy Posted March 2, 2011 Posted March 2, 2011 People, please read up on HPV! Is it NOT curable! The relative alarm is appropriate, as only a small percentage of HPV is even the kind that causes cervical cancer. If you don't have the potent kind, then you just don't have anything to be concerned over. IF a guy somehow knew he had HPV upon beginning a relationship with a woman, she could get the fairly new HPV vaccine, and then she wouldn't be able to get the potentially harmful kind of HPV from him or from anyone else. There is no such assurance with Herpes.
Author pandagirl Posted March 2, 2011 Author Posted March 2, 2011 The relative alarm is appropriate, as only a small percentage of HPV is even the kind that causes cervical cancer. If you don't have the potent kind, then you just don't have anything to be concerned over. IF a guy somehow knew he had HPV upon beginning a relationship with a woman, she could get the fairly new HPV vaccine, and then she wouldn't be able to get the potentially harmful kind of HPV from him or from anyone else. There is no such assurance with Herpes. You have to be between the ages of 12-26 to be eligible for the vaccine. And, herpes does not cause cancer.
Star Gazer Posted March 2, 2011 Posted March 2, 2011 And, herpes does not cause cancer. True, but it can cause severe brain injury and even death in newborn babies born to a mother with the virus. I know herpes is personal to you because you have it, but I don't think it's wise to minimize what it is.
Star Gazer Posted March 2, 2011 Posted March 2, 2011 Yes ma'am, and I came back clean. That's not absolute, as there is no test for HPV in men.
Girlygirl1977 Posted March 2, 2011 Posted March 2, 2011 Just wanted to point out - about the vaccine. My friend was involved in launching it and the age range was somewhat arbitrary. My friend got the vaccine herself (and she is older than 26) and recommended I do too. So they gave some age range maybe bc they figured you hadn't gotten those strands by then perhaps. Still it isn't too relevant especially if you do not have the strands the vaccine protects against. Depending on your insurance, you may need to pay for it entirely though if it is above that range (though my insurance did cover it for me).
TaurusTerp Posted March 2, 2011 Posted March 2, 2011 I'm getting a vibe from this thread which I feel is very backwards to what OP was going for. You guys can talk about being clean and unclean; the statistics of HPV, HSV all you want. The fact of the matter is that our bodies are LOADED with viruses, bacteria, and even parasites. Not just one, two, or three...but most likely millions, if not BILLIONS of them!!! If you have sex with anyone ( protected, unprotected) you will eventually catch something at some point in your life . So throw that conservative "Imma stay clean 4 ever" bull**** out the window. Stop having sex if you're so afraid of growing warts on your privates. What this thread should really have been about was the fact that people with STD's are PEOPLE who deserve love and respect from their fellow man/woman. We are no pariahs. Some of us have made stupid decisions--fine-- but that doesn't mean we are considered lower class citizens who don't deserve a healthy, loving, relationship. Research and statistics are just that...cold hard numbers. But that won't mean anything once you've found the love of your life. Yes, but why deliberately add another one? If you're clean, there's no reason to have sex with someone knowing that you'll contract a STD. Nobody is saying people with HSV/HPV are lower class citizens who don't deserve a relationship. Stop being melodramatic.
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