HPV - Shouldn't we talk about it? [Archive]

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 03:29 PM

I really hate to do this, but...

as far as I could find, there was only one other thread here that mentioned HPV and it was extremely limited, and yet, people who are new to poly (especially those who haven't started meeting new partners yet) really might like to have this information. I know I wish I had.

So why don't we talk about it? I think that's probably pretty obvious. First of all, few people know much about it because we don't talk about it. Second, it's a virus that "everyone" has, can't really be tested, can't be treated, can't be traced, and (usually) goes away on it's own, so why worry about it? I get that. Totally. Believe me, I'd really like to not be worrying about it. But....

Here's the deal.... if you are a woman who is new to poly, like I am, AND you've been monogamous pretty much forever, AND you're older than mid-twenties (a pretty common demographic as people often move into this in mid-life after their kids are grown) you are suddenly going to encounter something that you may never have known existed before and this lifestyle quite suddenly catapults you into the highest risk group for some potentially nasty stuff. (Yes, the chances are relatively low for the population in general, but not that low for this demographic in this lifestyle.)

Yes, indeed, I'd love to not know this and I'm sure you would to. But we're about openness and honesty and giving other adults the information they need to make their own decisions.

So, I'm bringing it up. I don't believe in scaring people needlessly, but I do believe in honesty:

HPV is a large group of very common viruses that affect mucous membranes, that means genitals and mouths.
HPV is spread through skin to skin contact, that means condoms don't prevent it.
HPV is carried by a huge percentage of the population, especially those with multiple partners, and most never know they have it.
HPV infections that the body does not manage to fight off for a long period of time are the cause of cervical, anal, and some oral cancers.

The conservative and prudent advice given to women who are exposed to multiple partners who might carry different strains of HPV is that they get regular PAP smears so that any problems caused by HPV are detected early.

These are a few basic facts. There are many implications that people new to poly might want to consider when making reasonable decisions about managing their risks. Shall we talk about it?

MonoVCPHG

11-15-2009, 04:41 PM

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 04:57 PM

I would agree that being poly does not catapult you into the highest risk group. Being irresponsible does.

Also, I really have a pet peeve when people keep calling polyamory a "lifestyle". Lifestyle suggests that poly people dress a certain way, buy the same things, follow the same entertainment and politics, etc. To me, it's a way of structuring relationships not a "lifestyle".

It's kind of like saying "the monogamous lifestyle". It comes with a ton of assumptions that really don't apply to the vast diversity of people who identify in that group.

Quath

11-15-2009, 05:02 PM

I think it would be helpful to have thread that deals with sexual diseases. When I grew up, the basic advise I was given is "avoid AIDS and herpes." All other diseases were ignored or assumed to go away with penicillin. The rules of thumb were basically, "look for spots or sores and if you see none, it is probably ok."

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 05:09 PM

Sorry if I seem defensive but I spent alot of time defending poly and I am sensitive to anything that perpetuates the judegemental ideas of those who would attack poly rather than accept it.

Peace and love
Mono

Don't worry, Mono. I'm totally pro-poly and I'm very sensitive to the issues that this sort of thing creates for a community. There's the same danger that we see with intolerant people thinking HIV is a "gay disease." It's a very destructive idea. But I think that the refusal to think about it may be a danger too. In any case, in talking about a health issue, I don't think we need attach any moral judgments or labels to anyone (including people who pick people up in bars).

I don't have any problem using whatever language people prefer. I don't think that poly "lifestyle" means people all buy the same things. I think of it probably more as a philosophy or something probably. But, really, I'm new, so I respect whatever language you all feel comfortable with.

Now, I need to repeat and emphasize, I am extremely ambivalent about talking about or even knowing about this. It's scary and, for many people, may be needlessly scary, not because it isn't a risk, but because it's a risk that there is very little we can do about. I'm very ambivalent about knowing something scary that we can do little about. But there are some things that people, especially women, might want to know and maybe can do and when I entered the poly-world, I asked quite a few people about risks, and this was NEVER mentioned. At all. That doesn't feel right to me.

HPV is considerably more common than herpes (estimates say 50-80% of sexually active adults will have it) and can't be detected by the person who has it the way herpes can be. It is true that not all strains are actually high-risk and that most people will be able to rid themselves of the virus over time. It appears, also, to be true that once you've fought off a strain you won't get it again, but that can take many months to a couple years. People with lowered immune systems or people who are exposed to multiple strains may be less able to fight it off. Let's say this, too. The chances of dying from an HPV caused cancer, for women who get regular PAP smears and follow-up treatment, is relatively rare in the developed world, but the treatment and worry that are associated with this are not trivial. As people make decisions, they might want to know about this risk. Again, they might not. I understand that.

Also, I'm sure you are right that being poly in some circumstances brings no more risk than anyone else, maybe less, because for some people, they are even more careful and will end up with fewer partners overall. But I can imagine people who are just entering the lifestyle (or what?) might be at more risk. How many people new to poly who've had no more than a few partners in life are introduced by an experienced poly person who has a large network of potential exposure?

Has anyone had any experience with HPV?

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 05:22 PM

I would agree that being poly does not catapult you into the highest risk group. Being irresponsible does.

I retract the word "catapult," however, this could be a bit of a problem with language also: You do NOT have to be irresponsible, at all, to get a high-risk strain of HPV. You can check histories, tests, and use condoms, you can not even have intercourse, and you can still get it, and it's not even that unlikely.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 05:31 PM

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 05:44 PM

Also, it should be noted that you can test for HPV, however pap smears do not do that. Pap smears look for abnormal cells on the cervix which can be caused by HPV, but it doesn't test for the virus itself. ThinPrep does test for the actual virus. There are also additional HPV tests that are less invasive being developed. It seems that pap smears will soon be a thing of the past.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/169107.php

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 05:52 PM

Well, the thing is that there isn't really a high risk category for contracting HPV. It's not even always sexually transmitted. You can pick up the virus just by touching something that's been touched by someone with the virus. Being part of a high risk category and contracting a high risk strain are very different things. The high risk strains are strains of the virus that are more likely to develop into cervical cancer.

They're now vaccinating younger girls against certain strains of HPV and there is a vaccine in development for boys as well. It would be nice to have more general access to the vaccine for all adults.

Good points.

The only "high risk category" named is people with multiple partners, which is what I was addressing. This would really probably not be a problem at all for a monogamous couple, even in a new relationship. Even if they got it, they would probably both fight it off and be clear of it with time.

Except for sex toys actually in use at the moment (and they're not sure about that), there's no real evidence that you can pick it up from objects, skin to skin contact is said to be required, so that's probably good to know.

The vaccine for young girls is one of the reasons I bring this up. First, it protects against only 4 of the most common strains, 2 of the cancer causing ones and 2 for warts. Older women are never offered this vaccine. I'm not sure if that's just because it's considered too late (since anyone who's had sex is considered exposed) or if there's some other reason. If it's just the former, then an older woman embarking on a new .... set of choices for her life?... might want to find out if this vaccine could help to protect her.

Right now, in the U.S., HPV testing isn't even offered routinely and anal PAPs are practically unheard of. We are, unfortunately, at one of those gaps that medical science goes through at times, where we have enough information to recognize a problem and aid research but not really enough to be useful for most people (in this case, it seems older women are kind of caught in this gap). Again, the source of the ambivalence. Sigh.

One of the reasons a woman might want to know this is that IF she were to be found to have active HPV, she might want to limit her exposure to other strains that could make it harder for her body to fight off the one she has. There is also some evidence that while condom use can't prevent it, it may reduce the risk and there is one study that showed it may seriously reduce the risk of cervical lesions developing if HPV is present. Poly women considering becoming fluid bonded may want to know this.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 05:57 PM

Except for sex toys actually in use at the moment (and they're not sure about that), there's no real evidence that you can pick it up from objects, skin to skin contact is said to be required, so that's probably good to know.

There is evidence to suggest that it can be transmitted without skin to skin contact but how often that occurs is hard to track.

Viri by their very nature are tricky things and most species can survive outside of bodies for a considerable period of time.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 06:09 PM

There is evidence to suggest that it can be transmitted without skin to skin contact but how often that occurs is hard to track.

Viri by their very nature are tricky things and most species can survive outside of bodies for a considerable period of time.

No evidence that I have found.

If that were true, then, for myself at least, I would, indeed, place this in the category of things "too impossible to prevent to worry about." One must live life, after all.

Rarechild

11-15-2009, 06:12 PM

I think it's great to discuss safe sex but I see HPV being in no special category; considering the prevalance of herpes.

"There's no reporting system for herpes in Canada, but figures from the US suggest that genital herpes affects about 25% of women and 20% of men. In other words, approximately 1 out of every 4 women and 1 in 5 men have been infected.1 out of every 4 women and 1 in 5 men in canada have been infected with genital herpes."

http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/channel_condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=246&channel_id=1020&relation_id=10884.

These facts, which are pretty much the same in the US, depending on which study you consult- (1 out of 4, one out of 5), are really scary, added tot he fact that 90% of people don't know(or don't say!) they have it, and condoms can be ineffective for herpes type 2, genital herpes as well if the infection site is outside of the coverarage area of a condom, which it frequently is.

Lots of the information out there pairs HPV with Herpes strains, because both are so common, and if you have one, you are more susceptible to the other.

Confronted with this information, it is easy to see why there is so much fear attached and why people who have these diseases have a terrible time both dealing with and talking about their condition.

Of the 300 or so active members on this forum, the numbers would indicate that 75 or so have herpes. Yet the OP is right, we never talk about these things specifically. And I know there are people out there dealing with this, in addition to all of the other special challenges of polyamory.

There are so many psychological effects as well as physical and ethical issues. People who have STD's are treated with revulsion and the stigma is great even though I see that Sunnydee has made the point that the likelihood of contracting these diseases is high for everyone, acting responsibly or not. Just the sheer amount of people that have the diseases that don't know is a huge factor- they may be judgmental toward someone who admits to having an STD, not realizing they may have it too and be asymptomatic.

The sad thing is- STDs are not viewed as what they are by most people who don't (or think they don't) have them- as a disease, a common, manageable (though highly transmittable!)disease. Because the disease affects the genitals, in our heavily hypocritical puritan society it is unmentionable, dirty, and must indicate poor character.

I am one of the 75. It's very difficult psychologically more than anything. People make jokes about it around you and it makes you feel like an outcast.
People talk about safe sex and misunderstand the large portion of the population that has to confront the fact that they have an STD, and do their best to treat and prevent the spread of the virus.

The fact is, when someone tells you they have herpes and is educated about it, you are actually in a better position than you may be when someone says they don't because there are so many people out there who have no clue. The only way to get clear, whether you think you have the diseases or not is to get blood tests done and determine if you have an STD and what type it is, so you can receive medical treatment.

Thankyou, Sunnydee. I was thinking about starting a similar thread last week but didn't have the guts. It's a big issue for me, especially in considering sexual relationships outside my dyad, and I have been very anxious about dropping the double bomb of poly and herpes on a potential partner. It's very hard to deal with, but I'm glad we're talking.

I don't expect anyone else to "come out" with such a private thing, but even though I am scared to reveal this about myself, I have to change my way of thinking and not play into the stigma. I have to be the first one to reject the notion that this disease is any different from any other. My responsibility is to be educated and manage my disease honestly. My hope is that someone who I've established a connection with that cares about me will not write me off when I share this information.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 06:20 PM

Rarechild -

Thank you so much, and I truly hope people will pay attention to what this "silence" does to people. In the poly community, it should not take "guts" for us to be honest with each other. Our communities should not be scaring people that way. Honesty and acceptance is supposed to be what this is all about. We should not, in effect, by acting like this is "nothing to worry about," be actually encouraging people NOT to be honest.

I was even scared to bring it up as a topic for discussion at all, knowing people don't really want to be open about it. You have been really brave. Thank you, darling.

And for HPV, it's probably at least half of the people here.

Rarechild

11-15-2009, 06:38 PM

Thank you, darling :) . I really am struggling with how to do this, as I have not had to have this discussion with a potential partner since my partner discussed it with me at the start of our relationship.

I have actually directed one potential to this site in the past, and writing on here means he may find out from this thread.

I have been waiting to discuss it until I am sure that there is a possibility of sexual interaction, not wanting to assume our relationship will get to that point. The rub here is that I want to trust a person's respect for me before I tell them about my disease, but don't want them to feel as if I've been dishonest because I don't want to bring it up in small talk right at the beginning when I don't know where it's going.

I don't feel brave most of the time about this, and always feel like I should speak out more- it's just so hard to expose yourself to the reactions that people have whether they are fair or not.

One positive thing about having herpes is that if you can get through this conversation with someone well, and there is compassion and clarity on the facts to begin with, it is a really profound bonding experience, creating trust, communication and intimacy that few budding romances contain that early on.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 06:46 PM

I didn't mean to suggest that it's something that doesn't need to be talked about or "nothing to worry about". I guess I'm used to such things being talked about normally in the circles I run in. However, I don't like the idea of creating a lot of fear around the topic. While vigilance is good, contracting HPV isn't the end of your sexual life and people who have it shouldn't be disqualified as a partner, etc. It is something that's VERY treatable and there is a LOT going on around researching newer and better preventative measures and treatments for it. And it's about time they've started considering that men need testing and treatments as much as women.

redpepper

11-15-2009, 06:59 PM

Wow, thanks for all this info. I must admit I hadn't even considered all this... it sounds rather like scabies. Couldn't you get it then by sitting beside someone on a bus for more than ten minutes?

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 07:01 PM

Wow, thanks for all this info. I must admit I hadn't even considered all this... it sounds rather like scabies. Couldn't you get it then by sitting beside someone on a bus for more than ten minutes?

HA! Not quite. When I talked about getting it by touching things, it was more about when the virus shows up orally. But it should be noted that you can contract genital HPV strains without explicit sexual contact.

redpepper

11-15-2009, 07:09 PM

AAHHHH!!!! sorry Rarechild, I missed reading all you wrote! I was talking about HPV!!!! damn! sorry girl!

I had a date with a guy once with herpes and had a friend in university that found out she has it. I didn't sleep with either of them, but they talked a lot about the stigma and I witnessed it with my friend. She went from being a popular lay to nothing.

Thanks for beind brave Rarechild. Any info and life story about difficult subject matters makes others normalize it and then treat people with more respect and dignity. Good for you putting yourself out there to help make that a possibility! :D

feeling the love for you right now :)

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 07:15 PM

Wow, thanks for all this info. I must admit I hadn't even considered all this... it sounds rather like scabies. Couldn't you get it then by sitting beside someone on a bus for more than ten minutes?

No, absolutely not. Now if you make out with the person on the bus for ten minutes and the person has in the last few months given oral sex to someone who was actively shedding the virus... yes, but will it hurt you? Maybe. But probably not.

HPV is something like a flu virus that just happens to affect our private parts as well as oral area, lungs, etc. Most people who get the flu will fight it off but some people will not and will eventually develop other complications like pneumonia.

There are some behaviors that a little knowledge may incline you toward like don't sneeze on premature newborns and maybe don't make out on a bus with someone who's recently given oral to someone who had an active virus.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 07:16 PM

And yes, I totally agree with Rarechild about the stigmatization of STI's. Like any other infections or diseases, they are a part of life. Contracting chlamydia does not equal being an irresponsible slut.

And honestly, most STI's are easily treated when caught. Yet they do so much damage (like any other infection can) if it's not caught. Nobody should have to feel shame when going to a doctor to seek treatment. More people would be getting this stuff treated much sooner if that stigma wasn't there.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 07:19 PM

HA! Not quite. When I talked about getting it by touching things, it was more about when the virus shows up orally.

Those "things" are almost certainly mucus membranes of infected humans. The actual oral cancers are rare, but the oral spread is probably pretty common.

You can pick up the virus just by touching something that's been touched by someone with the virus.

Let's lay this to rest, too. IF you picked up the virus by touching "something," you would then have to relatively immediately touch your own mouth or genitals to "get" this.

Ceoli - I am not at all arguing with you. You and I, as far as I can tell, are both single poly women and, if that's true, I can only feel the greatest affection for you. I really appreciate your points because you are allowing this dialog to take place where others can see it and maybe it's helpful to them. Thank you. Really.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 07:22 PM

And it's about time they've started considering that men need testing and treatments as much as women.

This is true. On the plus side, there is an incredibly low (practically no) personal risk to heterosexual men even if they are in contact with a woman who has active HPV. On the negative side, this allows men to be carriers with relatively low motivation to check it.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 07:25 PM

It is something that's VERY treatable and there is a LOT going on around researching newer and better preventative measures and treatments for it.

Treatable but not trivial. Women should know it's not like you can take some antibiotics and it all goes away. IF it gets to be a problem, it's a pretty significant medical expense and concern. IF, IF, IF. Again, IF. It often does NOT get to be a problem. I am NOT trying to scare people.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 07:28 PM

Those "things" are almost certainly mucus membranes of infected humans. The actual oral cancers are very very rare, but the oral spread is probably pretty common.

Let me rephrase: By touching infected mucous membranes then touching objects. When the virus creates a sore, it is shedding virus cells to spread.

I did just re-read the article that suggested evidence of secondary transmission (it was an article I had read last year) and it only shows evidence of the mechanism, not the actual transmission. Though there is anecdotal evidence, that's not enough to suggest it, so I'm recanting that piece of information I thought was true but probably isn't. However, the study did say that about 15% of people with genital warts end up having detectable levels of the HPV virus in their hands and under their fingernails.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 07:29 PM

Treatable but not trivial.

I never suggested that it was trivial.

Rarechild

11-15-2009, 07:31 PM

AAHHHH!!!! sorry Rarechild, I missed reading all you wrote! I was talking about HPV!!!! damn! sorry girl!

I feel the love always from you RP, but perhaps less exclamation points next time. :)

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 07:32 PM

This is true. On the plus side, there is an incredibly low (practically no) personal risk to heterosexual men even if they are in contact with a woman who has active HPV. On the negative side, this allows men to be carriers with relatively low motivation to check it.

Actually there are some new studies that link HPV to throat cancer in men and also to lung cancer. This might be why there's more energy going towards actually regarding men's role in the spread of the virus, but that's more of a feminist rant I have about the medical system in general.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 07:35 PM

Actually there are some new studies that link HPV to throat cancer in men and also to lung cancer. This might be why there's more energy going towards actually regarding men's role in the spread of the virus, but that's more of a feminist rant I have about the medical system in general.

Yes, but very rare and almost certainly bi- and gay men.

EDIT: This is probably incorrect, though there's no real explanation for why the same increase does not seem to be seen in women (or if it is, it's not in the studies I saw). The studies showing the connection to oral sex are linking these cancers to so many other factors at the same time that it's really difficult to take much away from them. The number of cases that aren't complicated by other factors, like smoking, may be too few to conclude too much right now. The safest thing to do is to get regular dental exams so that any changes in the mouth can be monitored just like with PAP smears.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 07:36 PM

Let me rephrase: By touching infected mucous membranes then touching objects. When the virus creates a sore, it is shedding virus cells to spread.

I did just re-read the article that suggested evidence of secondary transmission (it was an article I had read last year) and it only shows evidence of the mechanism, not the actual transmission. Though there is anecdotal evidence, that's not enough to suggest it, so I'm recanting that piece of information I thought was true but probably isn't. However, the study did say that about 15% of people with genital warts end up having detectable levels of the HPV virus in their hands and under their fingernails.

We should make it clear that the HPV that causes warts are not the same strains that cause cancers. Therefore, you won't see evidence of those types like you do with the wart causing ones.

redpepper

11-15-2009, 07:45 PM

I feel the love always from you RP, but perhaps less exclamation points next time. :)

I get a bit happy with the exclamation points don't I? I say "respect" a lot too I noticed. Damn it! I have to get my point across! respect.

Just as a note, I AM scared and feel like clamping up my pussy now. :D:p
heh, just kidding, kinda.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 07:49 PM

Yes, but very very very rare and almost certainly bi- and gay men.

Actually no. It's linked to oral sex, heterosexual or homosexual and straight men have just as much risk (though even if it was just bi and gay men it bears consideration) At this point HPV causes as many cases of oral and throat cancers as smoking does. And it's beginning to overtake it. There is a marked increase of HPV linked cancers.

Cases of HPV-linked throat cancers have been rising 10 percent a year in men under 60. Some believe that it'll overtake cervical cancer at some point soon. Though that could also be because there is more awareness and testing to catch cervical cancer in women.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 07:49 PM

I get a bit happy with the exclamation points don't I? I say "respect" a lot too I noticed. Damn it! I have to get my point across! respect.

Just as a note, I AM scared and feel like clamping up my pussy now. :D:p
heh, just kidding, kinda.

It's a little scary. I think I'm more scared of anal sex now that I know this causes anal cancers and that it wouldn't normally be caught in testing and that the treatment is awful, etc.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 07:51 PM

We should make it clear that the HPV that causes warts are not the same strains that cause cancers. Therefore, you won't see evidence of those types like you do with the wart causing ones.

Absolutely!! But I wasn't aware we were only talking about the HPV strains that cause cancer.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 07:56 PM

Actually no. It's linked to oral sex, heterosexual or homosexual and straight men have just as much risk (though even if it was just bi and gay men it bears consideration) At this point HPV causes as many cases of oral and throat cancers as smoking does. And it's beginning to overtake it. There is a marked increase of HPV linked cancers.

Cases of HPV-linked throat cancers have been rising 10 percent a year in men under 60. Some believe that it'll overtake cervical cancer at some point soon. Though that could also be because there is more awareness and testing to catch cervical cancer in women.

Yes, ok, maybe (though I think infection of the lungs is still extremely rare). I think the studies showing a strong link between smoking and HPV are more likely on the right track. It seems likely that smoking reduces the body's ability to fight off the virus. It also seems likely that this is not really rising, it's just that we didn't know before that HPV was causing cancers. May not be rising so much as being discovered.

EDIT: The first post on this has been edited.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 07:57 PM

Absolutely!! But I wasn't aware we were only talking about the HPV strains that cause cancer.

No, we aren't. I just didn't want people to get the impression that if they don't see sores, they are ok.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 07:58 PM

No, we aren't. I just didn't want people to get the impression that if they don't see sores, they are ok.

Oh yeah...definitely very important to clarify.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 08:00 PM

Yes, ok, maybe (though I think infection of the lungs is still extremely rare). I think the studies showing a strong link between smoking and HPV are more likely on the right track. It seems likely that smoking reduces the body's ability to fight off the virus. It also seems likely that this is not really rising, it's just that we didn't know before that HPV was causing cancers. May not be rising so much as being discovered.

What studies have you read that suggest that the cases aren't rising? I'd love to read them. (and I'm not making that point argumentatively. I have a clutch of friends among whom we share and talk about any STD info we find and HPV has been a hot topic the last few months)

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 08:16 PM

What studies have you read that suggest that the cases aren't rising? I'd love to read them. (and I'm not making that point argumentatively. I have a clutch of friends among whom we share and talk about any STD info we find and HPV has been a hot topic the last few months)

No, I don't have any definite info on this. I'm seeing studies (we mostly have the Johns Hopkins, I believe) that link these to higher alcohol consumption as well as to tobacco use and seeing that they are based on increased numbers of diagnoses (always problematic as testing rises) which amounts to about 5000 cases a year, which is not a huge sample. It's also possible, of course, since we are seeing this more in young people, that it's actually related to the increase in sex education, because that is accompanied by the belief that oral sex is safer than other forms as well as possible increases in testing.

Again, my real concern here is to bring out information that will help people manage how much risk they are comfortable with. Everyone has to evaluate this limited information for themselves.

Let me thank you again, Ceoli, for helping me bring out points that might be of interest to other people who are reading. I really appreciate it.

Ceoli

11-15-2009, 08:46 PM

No, thank YOU for starting the discussion.

I should note that my little STI clutch of friends was started because we were all sitting around and sharing horror stories of being shamed in one way or another at the gynocologist for being sexually active young women with multiple partners. And we were pissed off that we all had a story about that. We formed the group to not only share info, but to normalize talking about this stuff for ourselves and to support each other in our talking to doctors and partners and friends about this stuff. One of the girls had to deal with cervical cancer, but it was caught early and treated.

So thank you for creating the same kind of support by posting this thread.

sunnydee

11-15-2009, 10:19 PM

Here's a few things that people can take away from this that aren't scary.

1) If you have multiple (new) partners, (or exposure through your partners' partners) keeping your immune system strong by taking care of yourself is a good idea, because you will be constantly exposed to HPVs, which is maybe something nobody told you before. There's some evidence that folic acid is important to fighting off the viruses and some evidence that smoking and alcohol lessen your resistance. Remember, this is just a virus, a bug, you can try to avoid contracting it, but your more realistic goal is to fight it off, like a cold.

2) Getting a PAP smear regularly is a very good idea, even if you are not concerned about birth control, which is something else that I think women over 30 haven't really been told. The great majority of deaths from cervical cancers in the developed world are among women who have not had a PAP in more than 5 years.

3) You are safer using condoms even with people that you might think are otherwise safe because they have been tested for STIs, etc. Even though it doesn't prevent transmission entirely, it can cut down on transmission and may lessen the severity when it is transmitted. For those who might be new to the whole idea, it needs to be said, condoms with anal are also a good idea.

4) "Time" with one partner or a limited number of partners is your friend so that the virus strains that you are all exposed to can be cleared out of your bodies, so it may make sense to introduce new people slowly if you think there's a risk.

5) Once you have been exposed and fought off a strain, you have antibodies to it, so only people with seriously compromised immune systems probably need to worry about that strain again. So, take into account exposure through secondary exposure from partners of partners, but, other than that, there's probably no real reason to avoid contact with people you've already been exposed to.

6) There is no point in being afraid. Fear will not help you to be safer in any way. In every life, good things happen and bad things happen and there is very little of significance that we can ever really anticipate. Live your life. With joy and love.

Rarechild

11-15-2009, 11:11 PM

Just as a note, I AM scared and feel like clamping up my pussy now. :D:p
heh, just kidding, kinda.

Your reaction is a common one and exactly why it's so scary to talk about for people who have an STD. It opens you up for more reinforcement that you are untouchable just when you have gotten the courage up to stop believing that.

AutumnalTone

11-16-2009, 09:30 PM

From what Wikipedia reports on HPV, lots of folks have had it or carry it. I found out I have had it, as any kind of wart is caused by HPV. I used to have warts on my hands years ago--and had no clue those were caused by the same thing that causes genital warts. Apparently, in most instances, the virus runs its course and is gone after a year or so--it's rare that it would remain longer than that.

My son has had a couple of warts on his hands and I know he's never had sexual contact with anybody other than himself. Wherever he picked up the virus, it didn't involve sexual activity.

And I'm glad that to know that the strain I know I've had caused warts. The strains that don't are the ones that cause cancer. Sheesh!

LovingRadiance

11-16-2009, 10:47 PM

LovingRadiance

11-16-2009, 10:52 PM

I retract the word "catapult," however, this could be a bit of a problem with language also: You do NOT have to be irresponsible, at all, to get a high-risk strain of HPV. You can check histories, tests, and use condoms, you can not even have intercourse, and you can still get it, and it's not even that unlikely.

The same is true for Herpes. MANY people have it and ARE NOT AWARE. It's contagious even if you don't have a sore if it's "active" and often people are in the "shedding" stage-and don't know it-which is NOT where you would see a sore.

So it can (and does) get spread around between people who aren't even aware they have it in the first place.

LovingRadiance

11-16-2009, 10:57 PM

The vaccine for young girls is one of the reasons I bring this up. First, it protects against only 4 of the most common strains, 2 of the cancer causing ones and 2 for warts. Older women are never offered this vaccine. I'm not sure if that's just because it's considered too late (since anyone who's had sex is considered exposed) or if there's some other reason. If it's just the former, then an older woman embarking on a new .... set of choices for her life?... might want to find out if this vaccine could help to protect her.

I was given to understand (when my oldest child was talking with her doc about it) that it's not offered to anyone (regardless of age) whose already had sex. It was suggested that the reason was it was only beneficial to someone who hadn't been exposed. I'm not sure of the technical data on that. But because it became available here LITERALLY weeks after my daughter first had sex-they would't give it to her.
Also-it's not given to ALL girls who haven't had sex, the parents have to agree to it and in many cases have to REQUEST it.

LovingRadiance

11-16-2009, 11:02 PM

These facts, which are pretty much the same in the US, depending on which study you consult- (1 out of 4, one out of 5), are really scary, added tot he fact that 90% of people don't know(or don't say!) they have it, and condoms can be ineffective for herpes type 2, genital herpes as well if the infection site is outside of the coverarage area of a condom, which it frequently is.

Lots of the information out there pairs HPV with Herpes strains, because both are so common, and if you have one, you are more susceptible to the other.

Confronted with this information, it is easy to see why there is so much fear attached and why people who have these diseases have a terrible time both dealing with and talking about their condition.

Of the 300 or so active members on this forum, the numbers would indicate that 75 or so have herpes. Yet the OP is right, we never talk about these things specifically. And I know there are people out there dealing with this, in addition to all of the other special challenges of polyamory.

There are so many psychological effects as well as physical and ethical issues. People who have STD's are treated with revulsion and the stigma is great even though I see that Sunnydee has made the point that the likelihood of contracting these diseases is high for everyone, acting responsibly or not. Just the sheer amount of people that have the diseases that don't know is a huge factor- they may be judgmental toward someone who admits to having an STD, not realizing they may have it too and be asymptomatic.

The sad thing is- STDs are not viewed as what they are by most people who don't (or think they don't) have them- as a disease, a common, manageable (though highly transmittable!)disease. Because the disease affects the genitals, in our heavily hypocritical puritan society it is unmentionable, dirty, and must indicate poor character.

I am one of the 75. It's very difficult psychologically more than anything. People make jokes about it around you and it makes you feel like an outcast.
People talk about safe sex and misunderstand the large portion of the population that has to confront the fact that they have an STD, and do their best to treat and prevent the spread of the virus.

The fact is, when someone tells you they have herpes and is educated about it, you are actually in a better position than you may be when someone says they don't because there are so many people out there who have no clue. The only way to get clear, whether you think you have the diseases or not is to get blood tests done and determine if you have an STD and what type it is, so you can receive medical treatment.

Thankyou, Sunnydee. I was thinking about starting a similar thread last week but didn't have the guts. It's a big issue for me, especially in considering sexual relationships outside my dyad, and I have been very anxious about dropping the double bomb of poly and herpes on a potential partner. It's very hard to deal with, but I'm glad we're talking.

I don't expect anyone else to "come out" with such a private thing, but even though I am scared to reveal this about myself, I have to change my way of thinking and not play into the stigma. I have to be the first one to reject the notion that this disease is any different from any other. My responsibility is to be educated and manage my disease honestly. My hope is that someone who I've established a connection with that cares about me will not write me off when I share this information.

Congratulations on facing your fear here. That's awesome-absolutely awesome.
Since you are #1, I'll be happy to be #2. I just found this thread and read the first two posts and decided after I read the whole thing I would post my "life truth".

I will do so more in depth at the end of reading! But I wanted to say now-before I keep reading-good job opening yourself up and big hugs to you!

LovingRadiance

11-16-2009, 11:07 PM

I have actually directed one potential to this site in the past, and writing on here means he may find out from this thread.

I have been waiting to discuss it until I am sure that there is a possibility of sexual interaction, not wanting to assume our relationship will get to that point. The rub here is that I want to trust a person's respect for me before I tell them about my disease, but don't want them to feel as if I've been dishonest because I don't want to bring it up in small talk right at the beginning when I don't know where it's going.

I don't feel brave most of the time about this, and always feel like I should speak out more- it's just so hard to expose yourself to the reactions that people have whether they are fair or not.

One positive thing about having herpes is that if you can get through this conversation with someone well, and there is compassion and clarity on the facts to begin with, it is a really profound bonding experience, creating trust, communication and intimacy that few budding romances contain that early on.

YES! It was hell coming out with this trivia with Maca. I KNEW I loved him, I KNEW we were meant to be a couple. But it hurt to even CONSIDER that my oldest child's father cheating on me none-so carefully led to me having to risk my potential future with Maca before we even had time to build it.
I did and I'm glad I did-but it's very hard. Some people REALLY flip out and are not understanding at all. Others-like Maca are kind, caring and considerate and they look at the risks and compare them to the benefits of the relationship to make their decisions, instead of just making a decision based in fear.

LovingRadiance

11-16-2009, 11:35 PM

So the kicker with Herpes is that again-many many people have no clue they have it. They can be contagious even if they don't have a sore.
There ARE precautions you can take and things that make it less likely to spread.

But the biggest issue that comes into play is (like rarechild said) I don't really care to share all the details of my personal life with you until we're friends (no I don't participate in sex with people I'm not close to either).

But at the same time-I don't want to hurt your feelings if YOU get interested in taking things further then friendship and I have to explain this to you but you feel like I "led you on".

It's just a crappy situation all around. And like someone said-it's a disease. I wasn't "running loose" and didn't know I wasn't being careful. I was (as far as I was aware) in a monogomous relationship with one person who I was planning to marry "and live happily ever after" with.

Unfortunately he was lying and wasn't careful with anyone. So he got it and spread it to all the girls he was sleeping with. I say girls-because I was 15 years old. We weren't ladies, we weren't women, we were girls. His theory was if it looked ok and smelled ok it must be ok." (crude I know-sorry).

The problem is-that isn't how it works.

With herpes there isn't a cure-but there are suppressant medications and when it is suppressed you aren't contagious. The medications don't guarantee it is ALWAYS suppressed. But they do reduce the risk somewhat. Obviously so does paying attention to your body. There are other symptomst that can clue you in to issues besides having a "breakout" or "sore". Itching, burning (often VERY MILD) or even scaly skin (almost unnoticable) and tingling sensations are all signs you are contagious.
Furthermore-the real kicker is the virus can be killed with soap and water prior to infection-so again-WASH with soap and water is a good idea. It can live off the body for a period of time (not sure how long) and they suggest that towels are a big risk factor.

So in 11 years together-I don't share towels with Maca, I don't participate in sexual activities of any sort if I have ANY possible symptoms and I take my drugs every day. Also-we always take a shower after (seriously). Because those things are all protections. So far he's never shown signs of symptoms. While that isn't a guarantee and of course we tell anyone who might be a possible partner that there is some risk (with him) and I'm clear that I DO have it and am a risk period. But my point is-with precautions-you can lower risk.

Again rarechild-good job on "coming out". I for one am proud of you!

rubyfish

11-17-2009, 01:23 AM

I was given to understand (when my oldest child was talking with her doc about it) that it's not offered to anyone (regardless of age) whose already had sex. It was suggested that the reason was it was only beneficial to someone who hadn't been exposed. I'm not sure of the technical data on that. But because it became available here LITERALLY weeks after my daughter first had sex-they would't give it to her.
Also-it's not given to ALL girls who haven't had sex, the parents have to agree to it and in many cases have to REQUEST it.

If you (or your daughter) feel that she should have the vaccine, then you should ask her provider again or find another one. I was offered it after I got married. The issue is that most people that are sexually active have been exposed to HPV, so it becomes less and less meaningful to have the vaccine. That's also why they don't routinely test for HPV until the age of the 30 (note, not PAP smears, but blood tests). Many people would test positive, but often the body clears the infection without the person even knowing they had it.

Also, while it has only been approved for girls in a limited age range, many people of both genders have had it off-label. Dr. Drew from Love-Line is a very big supporter of vaccinating boys and young men. He has said numerous times that he's had his sons vaccinated.

Also, something else that might calm some fears. Most harmful strains of HPV are very slow growing. It takes many months/years in most cases to go from a normal PAP to abnormal cells to cancer. Most providers in the US have scaled back the recommended schedule from everyone yearly to either every other year or yearly for three years and then once every three years if you are in a closed relationship and have always had normal PAP smears before. Obviously, a history of abnormal PAP smears changes the recommendations.

Rarechild

11-17-2009, 03:16 AM

Again rarechild-good job on "coming out". I for one am proud of you!

I love that you concentrated on supporting me when you were doing the very same thing. That was truly some loving radiance.Thank you. I needed that today.

Thanks for sharing your story too- I am really encouraged by your success in managing and containing the disease for so long. Thanks for telling us about how it has played out for you two, especially the fact that it can go well when you tell someone. I don't think it would ever be easy, but I know that the fear can be replaced by education, compassion, and caring for the whole person. I know this because that's how I dealt with it when I was told by the one I loved that he had this disease.

I had actually looked around for a forum devoted to herpes/HPV to try to find some perspective on how to tell someone, but I'm glad to have sought support among this group,- it means a lot more to me to talk to people I already feel comfortable with about this.

So thanks again to Sunnydee.

AutumnalTone

11-17-2009, 04:03 AM

LovingRadiance

11-17-2009, 07:55 AM

I think you've both shown courage in coming out.

I think that the courage involved in living relationships that rely on honesty and candor can also exhibit itself in candor when dealing with groups. That this group is electronic and fairly anonymous requires a bit more courage to be forthcoming--so kudos to you!

Thank you seventhcrow. I have to admit-that my stomach did flipflops because I feel like I have made some "friends" on here and I know other people who are aware I talk on here and could easily identify me by my log in.
But the truth is the truth and it's long past time that as a world we get on track with the truth. So here we are!

LovingRadiance

11-17-2009, 08:00 AM

I love that you concentrated on supporting me when you were doing the very same thing. That was truly some loving radiance.Thank you. I needed that today.

Thanks for sharing your story too- I am really encouraged by your success in managing and containing the disease for so long. Thanks for telling us about how it has played out for you two, especially the fact that it can go well when you tell someone. I don't think it would ever be easy, but I know that the fear can be replaced by education, compassion, and caring for the whole person. I know this because that's how I dealt with it when I was told by the one I loved that he had this disease.

I had actually looked around for a forum devoted to herpes/HPV to try to find some perspective on how to tell someone, but I'm glad to have sought support among this group,- it means a lot more to me to talk to people I already feel comfortable with about this.

So thanks again to Sunnydee.

That my dear is simply me. I don't believe in focusing too much on myself. If I focus on the care and loving of others-it seems to always work out better in the long run. But you are welcome. I read your first post and smiled a huge smile because I had already decided to "out" myself-but suddenly felt less "alone" in doing so.

It's not easy to share that information with people. I know especially in a poly life-it's difficult because you have to protect everyone that you come in contact with. That makes building a relationship a little harder-because so many "chances" fall away. But the other side of that is that you don't waste time in as many relationships that wouldn't work either.

Both Maca and Green Gecko have managed to survive my having herpes and still fall deeply, madly in love with me. Both have stood by me and stand by me. It's nice to know there isn't a "secret" hidden between us!

redpepper

11-17-2009, 08:29 AM

Thanks to all of you for sharing. I feel truely honoured that you would feel safe to do so in light of the fact that there is still stigma around which you speak. Anyone who reads this should feel honoured too I would think. You have helped me understand and that to me means more acceptance. Acceptance brings people together to have more love and compassion. It all spreads and positive change happens because of it. What a gift you've given!

(I sound so flakey! And should be in that "spiritual awakening" thread, or whatever its called, but this is what that thread talks about! Sorry, I do mean it though :))

sunnydee

11-18-2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by sunnydee
My original post: The vaccine for young girls is one of the reasons I bring this up. First, it protects against only 4 of the most common strains, 2 of the cancer causing ones and 2 for warts. Older women are never offered this vaccine. I'm not sure if that's just because it's considered too late (since anyone who's had sex is considered exposed) or if there's some other reason. If it's just the former, then an older woman embarking on a new .... set of choices for her life?... might want to find out if this vaccine could help to protect her."

I was given to understand (when my oldest child was talking with her doc about it) that it's not offered to anyone (regardless of age) whose already had sex. It was suggested that the reason was it was only beneficial to someone who hadn't been exposed. I'm not sure of the technical data on that. But because it became available here LITERALLY weeks after my daughter first had sex-they would't give it to her.
Also-it's not given to ALL girls who haven't had sex, the parents have to agree to it and in many cases have to REQUEST it.

I just talked to my doctor at length explaining that I am embarking on a polyamorous journey and that I have not previously been exposed to very many partners, etc. Because my education only began about HPV because they found irregular cells that they were concerned about, I've now been tested and now know that these were not caused by HPV and there is still no high-risk HPVs present.

She agreed that polyamory put me at a higher risk and that my history and tests made the vaccine a good idea for me. According to her, the only reason that they don't give this to older/experienced women routinely is that they have no studies showing it's efficacy for women over 26 and it's expensive and U.S. insurance probably won't cover it. It will cost $500 before I'm through with it, but I think it's a good investment for my particular situation. She says that there is no harm in it, it's not a live vaccine, and it may provide additional protection against HPVs that are similar to the 4 it contains. Protection starts immediately, though it's not considered complete for six months and three injections. I'm pretty happy with the results of this experience for me and hope it can be of use to others.

nycindie

11-22-2010, 04:41 AM

I am resurrecting this thread because a close friend of mine just found out this weekend that she's been exposed to herpes. She's bumming big time about this. Her doc told her there are antibodies in her blood that show she's had it. She is very upset about it, says she's never had symptoms. I really don't know much about it but said I would help find info for her. She works long hours and doesn't have much time to research on her own.

She's trying to figure out when this infection could have occurred, and her doc told her it could have happened many years ago. We are both wondering how soon after an infection the antibodies can be detected. She uses condoms with her boyfriend.

She knows she has to inform any potential partners of this, but should she say that she actually has herpes? Is that what she now identifies as? A person with herpes? Or do she just say that she was exposed to it? It confuses us both that that is how her doc told her -- not that she has herpes, but that she was exposed to it. To add to the frustration, the doc also said that no test is 100% accurate, but it's probably wise to warn any current and future partners and get them to test themselves to see if they are at risk. I think what the doc told her is that if a potential partner also has antibodies, then my friend doesn't have to be so careful -- but for those who have never been exposed, I guess she can infect someone even if asymptomatic. But since no test is 100% accurate, it seems to me a good idea that she be tested again with maybe a different test for corroboration.

More info on the medication would be great. And as to the soap and water comment, I got confused. It kills the virus before infection? Meaning you should wash after sex before it has a chance to infect? If anyone has any knowledge to share, would be very grateful. Thanks in advance.g.

Earlier in this thread:
there are suppressant medications and when it is suppressed you aren't contagious . . . the real kicker is the virus can be killed with soap and water prior to infection-so again-WASH with soap and water is a good idea.

LovingRadiance

11-22-2010, 06:13 AM

If you have antibodies-that means that you are a carrier of the herpes virus-which means you have it.

The majority of people who have it-have no symptoms or don't realize the symptoms when they do have them (itching is a symptom and it can be MILD itching).

Soap and water kill the virus PRIOR to infection-but once you are infected, the virus "resides" near the base of the spinal cord and there is no cure.

You do need to tell anyone who you are going to be sexually active with that you have the herpes virus.

COMPLICATION-
There are TWO herpes virus's-there is a test that can say WHICH one you have, but without knowing that it is possible to GET one and THEN get the other. Which means someone with type 1, can get type 2 and vise versa.

I.E. my husband has type 1, so it is "safe" for him to be with someone else who also has type 1, they both have it. But if he were with someone who had type 2, he could end up with that also AND they could end up getting 1 also.

SO it'd be nice if you could find out which type you have.

A LOT of people ASSUME that symptoms in one location or another will tell you which type it is, but that isn't true. You can get type 1 or 2 on the mouth (cold sores) OR in the genital area AND IN FACT you can get break outs ANYWHERE on your body from either 1 or 2.

There is more info on:

www.herpes.com

http://sfcityclinic.org/stdbasics/

I particularly like that second link. They have a great wealth of info that you can cross reference various ways.

Also-thread on safe sex that has info:

http://www.polyamory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1190

nycindie

11-22-2010, 06:31 AM

Hi LR,
Thank you - I did find some info about the tests on http://www.herpesdiagnosis.com/blood.html and she did find out which test was done and her doc told her that the test shows HSV2. I also just found this site and sent her the link: http://www.herpesite.org/index.html

I will check out your links, too.

Since my original post, my friend realized she has had outbreaks - on her butt! Never anywhere else but there. It seems that on some websites, they call that sacral herpes. Every now & then it would flare up but she says it was always pretty small, so she never thought it was herpes. She just thought it was a rash, and doesn't understand how it never showed up in exams before. She thinks she's been tested for it.

The relationship with her boyfriend is pretty new, so she feels terrible and embarrassed about having to tell him.

girlcaleb

11-22-2010, 11:39 AM

I haven't read all the replies so I may be repeating, but there is a vaccine out. I know it was market for teens so I am not sure of any age restrictions. I have not used it and I am not sure if it is still on the market but I was excited to hear about it a few years back.

Ariakas

11-22-2010, 05:32 PM

LovingRadiance

11-22-2010, 06:40 PM

HPV isn't the same as herpes guys.

Anyway-yes, I get the breakout there as well, just before my period, when I get a break out.

I take Acyclovir (pill) and that keeps it from happening most of the time. (Drops it to 2-3 breakouts a year at most).

I also have Zovirax which is a cream adn that is for if I DO get a breakout-it goes directly on it. Cuts down hte length of time and controls the itching, pain whatever.

;)

Ariakas

11-22-2010, 07:03 PM

HPV isn't the same as herpes guys.

I think we know that ;)...but this thread is about HPV haha :p

LovingRadiance

11-22-2010, 07:45 PM

Well it was originally Ari, but then we all started discussing herpes-and the newest poster was inquiring about herpes. ;)

:P You know I love you Ari!
We got an ice storm in late last night. All white here.

MyNameIsMaam

11-22-2010, 10:31 PM

Confused

11-23-2010, 02:17 PM

Another question, this time back to HPV.

I was infected by my husband way back when we first met, 12 years ago. I initially had warts on my labia that were treated with caustic solution and disappeared. Since then though I get abnormal PAP results every year and every year they send me for a colposcopy and biopsy the areas that are abnormal and it always comes back telling me its HPV. So my body clearly hasn't fought it off and its happily living on my cervix. I have yearly PAP tests and I'm not worried about it for me and my husband since he clearly hasn't suffered another outbreak in the 12 years we've been monogamous but just interested to know whether I could infect someone else after so long.

TheBlackSwede

11-23-2010, 11:35 PM

Iktomi

11-25-2010, 10:57 PM

I didn't read all the replies to this thread, but I feel like I can contribute.

When I got pregnant with my first child, I was told I had an HPV (genital wart) infection. Neither my husband nor I had even noticed it, the "infection" looked just like normal tissue! But they tested it and it was positive.

At this point in time, I was in a monogamous relationship with my husband, who had only 2 other sexual partners in his 40-year old life, and I had only 2 other sexual partners as well. I've always had yearly PAP smears, etc... So I was completely shocked and devastated that I had an STD! I was reassured by the doctor that it's completely normal and that most adults have some form of HPV, and it's not much to worry about since it's a non-cancerous strain anyway. Since my immune system was down temporarily due to pregnancy, the expectation was that it would go away after I recovered from childbirth. However, it's so contagious that my son could get it just from simply existing in my womb! That made me very sad.

Fast forward to now, I am pregnant again and once again experiencing a "flare up." I am still uncomfortable with the fact that my son and daughter-to-be could catch this STD simply by being in the womb (vaginal or cesarean section deliveries could both transmit the disease.) And now I find myself involved with another woman...

I was upfront about it with her. Before our first date, I mentioned that we had it. We talked about the risks and she made up her own mind that it wasn't any big deal and certainly not a deal-breaker. I was embarrassed bringing it up, because I know some people may balk at dating a person known to have HPV (even though chances are good that she already has it). However, I believe in complete disclosure. If someone knew they had it and didn't tell me, I would be very disappointed and consider leaving the relationship... not because of the HPV but because hiding information isn't that far from lying in my book.

nycindie

12-07-2010, 05:11 AM

Found a bunch of very informative and simply written articles about HPV and STDs here: http://www.womentowomen.com

The site appears to be for a women's health center in Maine. They do try and sell a hormone balancing program at the very end of some articles, but I found the info they provide to be very comprehensive, clear, and easy to understand.

Here are a few I've read so far:
Abnormal Pap smears and HPV (http://www.womentowomen.com/understandyourbody/tests/abnormalpapsmearsandhpv.aspx)

Safe sex in midlife (http://www.womentowomen.com/sexualityandfertility/enjoyingsafesexinmidlife.aspx)

STD signs, symptoms and testing (http://www.womentowomen.com/sexualityandfertility/stdsymptomsandtests.aspx)

Zechariah

12-08-2010, 08:04 AM

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine may prevent infection with certain species of human papillomavirus associated with the development of cervical cancer, genital warts, and some less common cancers.Two HPV vaccines are currently on the market: Gardasil and Cervarix.Both vaccines protect against the two HPV types (HPV-16 and HPV-18) that cause 70% of cervical cancers, and cause some other genital cancers; Gardasil also protects against the two HPV types (HPV-6 and HPV-11) that cause 90% of genital warts. In addition, Gardasil has been shown to prevent potential precursors to anal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. HPV vaccines are expected to protect against HPV induced cancers of these areas as well as HPV induced oral cancers.For more read.. How to get rid Of HPV (http://www.speedyremedies.com/how-to-get-rid-of-hpv.html)