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Forum Thread
Am I required to disclose this information before having sex?
March 29, 2007 at
05:33 AM
My girlfriend was informed by her gynocologist that she has the human papillomavirus, or HPV. It's impossible to tell who had it first, but I'm most likely a carrier now as well. For those of you who don't know, HPV is a virus that's said to be a prerequisite for cervical cancer in women. Men can carry the virus, but it's nearly harmless for them.
Some HPV facts from wikipedia:
Here's my question. Am I required to disclose this information before having relations with another woman? I have a feeling that everyone's kneejerk reaction will be "yes", but please consider the following. There's a huge chance that the woman already has the virus, and if she doesn't already she'll probably get it in the future*. With a condom, she probably won't get it from me anyway. With pap testing, there's a very very low risk of cancer. And quite frankly, I feel that she won't know all the facts and will think it's a bigger deal than it actually is.
Thoughts?
*Genital HPV infection is very common, with estimates suggesting that more than 50% of women will become infected with one or more of the sexually transmitted HPV types at some point during adulthood.[7]
The American Social Health Association projections in 2006 were yet more pessimistic, predicting that about 75% of the reproductive population will have been infected with genital HPV infection in their lifetime.
Some HPV facts from wikipedia:
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Quote
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HPV is the most common sexual transmitted infection in the United States. In the United States approximately 20-million people are currently infected with HPV about 6.2 million Americans will get infected with genital HPV this year.24.5% prevalence of HPV among females 14 to 19 years old 44.8% prevalence of HPV among females 20 to 24 years old 27.4% prevalence of HPV among females 25 to 29 years old 27.5% prevalence of HPV among females 30 to 39 years old 25.2% prevalence of HPV among females 40 to 49 years old 19.6% prevalence of HPV among females 50 to 59 years old In the absence of Pap testing or treatment, about 1% of women with genital HPV infections will eventually go on to develop cervical cancer. Women who have Pap testing or other cervical cancer screenings on a regular basis dramatically decrease their chances of developing cervical cancer. A 2006 study of 82 college students suggests that condoms can be up to 70% effective for preventing genital HPV infection if used for every sexual encounter. |
Thoughts?
*Genital HPV infection is very common, with estimates suggesting that more than 50% of women will become infected with one or more of the sexually transmitted HPV types at some point during adulthood.[7]
The American Social Health Association projections in 2006 were yet more pessimistic, predicting that about 75% of the reproductive population will have been infected with genital HPV infection in their lifetime.
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Women know the risks of having multiple partners and not being in a monogomas (sp?) relationship, but that doesn't mean they deserve to have information witheld from them.
Let's put it this way, is you getting tail more important than their health, whether or not they *might* get it anyway?
... don't people go to jail for having sex knowing they have HIV without telling their partners? Similar consequences to women ...
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American nannyism at it's best!!
Women know the risks of having multiple partners and not being in a monogomas (sp?) relationship, but that doesn't mean they deserve to have information witheld from them.
Let's put it this way, is you getting tail more important than their health, whether or not they *might* get it anyway?
here is my project:
(E/T etimology..S/S signs & symptoms...D/X diagnosis...T/X treatment...P/P precaution prevention)
HPV
One of the most common virus groups in the world
Over 100 strains have been identified
30 of which are genital
When the strains are identified they are numbered (HPV-1, HPV-2 etc.)
Each strain is classified as either "Low-Risk" or "High-Risk"
HPV
Different strains affect different parts of the body
The virus infects the epithelial cells and mucosa
HPV can affect any any part of the body
Most common strains produce papillomas, also known as warts
HPV
Condyloma tissue is the medical term for the warts that HPV produces
The warts present as small cauliflower type growths and are generally painless; some may cause irritation, itching or burning
HPV strains that produce warts are classified as "Low-Risk"
GENITAL HPV
Approximately 20 million people are infected with HPV
50% of all sexually active men and women will experience a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives
By the age of 50, 80% of all woman in the US will have acquired a genital HPV
GENITAL HPV
6.2 Million Americans are infected with HPV each year
E/T
Skin to skin contact; rarely an infant can acquire HPV during a vaginal birth if the mother is infected
GENITAL HPV
S/S
Most strains have no visible symptoms
Some strains will cause dysplasia of the cervix, vulva, anus, penis and mouth
HPV-6 & HPV-11 will produce genital warts, known as condyloma acuminatum
GENITAL HPV
These growths present as soft moist flesh colored swellings, and may appear on the vulva, in or around the vagina, cervix, on the penis, scrotum, anus, groin or thigh
It may take weeks or months for papillomas to appear after contact with an infected person
GENITAL HPV
D/X
Appearance of warts along with a history of exposure to an infected individual will often be enough to diagnose
Most cases in woman are diagnosed after an abnormal PAP test, DNA testing can pinpoint the strain involved in the infection
GENITAL HPV
In 2000 the FDA approved the first test specific to HPV
This test, The Hybrid Capture II was only administered after a PAP test came back with abnormal findings
IN 2003 The FDA expanded the use of this test to include screening and it is done in conjunction with regular PAP testing
GENITAL HPV
Hybrid Capture is the only FDA approved method of HPV DNA testing
The ThinPrep Pap Test is the only cervical cancer screening technology approved by the FDA for HPV testing using the same cervical specimens taken from a Pap smear
GENITAL HPV
Further testing with a colposcope may be used to detect any abnormalities such as squamous intraepithelial lesions
It is recommended for woman over 30 to have regular HPV testing
GENITAL HPV
T/X
Currently there is no cure for HPV
Most cases are self-limiting and will clear up with out the person even knowing they were infected
Warts and abnormal cell growths can be removed by hot or cold cautery, laser treatment, or LEEP
GENITAL HPV
Podophillin or Trichloracetic acid may also be used to remove warts
Imiquimod cream is also an effective treatment for external genital or parianal warts; Imiquimod works by stimulating the immune system to fight the virus
Interfuron is also used for resistant infections
GENITAL HPV
P/P
Avoid contact with infected persons
Condoms are NOT an effective prevention of the virus; virus is often in epithelial tissue not covered by the condom
Regular screening for HPV can identify "High-Risk" strains
GENITAL HPV
Vaccines are being developed for for cervical cancer as well as other HPV-related cancers
They focus on developing an immunity to HPV before exposure, as well as tumor suppressors for woman already inflicted with cervical cancer
HPV AND CANCER
95% of all cervical cancers have been linked to HPV
DNA identification of infecting strains is critical
Strains HPV-16 & HPV-18 are the most dangerous strains
Links are now being made between HPV and mouth cancer
HPV AND CANCER
High risk strains are not usually contained in visible warts, therefore persons often don't know they have an infection
Dysplasia is not cancer but it is a tissue change that is seen before malignancy develops