Immunity To Stds?

[fishhooks]

So I take it that HPV is a bit of a 'sleeper' here, or as I seen it described on a Google site as the "Common Cold" of sex.

I was just looking for some info on the subject in respect to treatment or knowledge of the more serious after affects here in Thailand as it is a fairly major topic now in western countries.

Don't think it is off-topic in this thread as from what I have read so-far, it is an STD which can be quite minor in the early stages, but just as deadly later as HIV if not recognized and treated.

[FBN]

So I take it that HPV is a bit of a 'sleeper' here, or as I seen it described on a Google site as the "Common Cold" of sex.

I was just looking for some info on the subject in respect to treatment or knowledge of the more serious after affects here in Thailand as it is a fairly major topic now in western countries.

Don't think it is off-topic in this thread as from what I have read so-far, it is an STD which can be quite minor in the early stages, but just as deadly later as HIV if not recognized and treated.

Indeed not off-topic. It has been mentioned on this thread before.

HPV is usually asymptomatic in men; hence no concern. If it resulted in severe disfigurement or even slight discomfort, be sure that men would have been on the front line in fighting this.

It does not and only the female has the risk of a very malignant cervical carcinoma that disfigures and kills with few treatment options but it may take years to develop.

No major awareness about this in Thailand either but the vaccine is available and I did see some clinics advertising this on boards but I don't know of any campaigns and I am sure if you ask any of the "population at risk" females if they were aware of this, you would probably find zero to little awareness.

Condoms can prevent this. Responsible males should use it.

As is also evident on this thread, some simply does not care...

[Ijustwannateach]

Actually, I am under the impression that HPV affects a number of straight and gay men in the form of genital herpes. I would be happy to test out the vaccine to protect myself from such a problem, if they were willing to give it to men.

[FBN]

Actually, I am under the impression that HPV affects a number of straight and gay men in the form of genital herpes. I would be happy to test out the vaccine to protect myself from such a problem, if they were willing to give it to men.

There are about 40 different HPV (Human Papiloma Virus) types that are sexually transmitted but most is asymptomatic. Some causes penile or anal warts and some can cause penile and anal cancers but not the same types.

Genital herpes is caused by the Herpesvirus group not HPV.

The vaccine to prevent the female cervical cancer is specific for that type and I don't think the same type causes male cancers so the vaccine would not help at all for the male pathogenic/carcinogenic types.

[fishhooks]

Although not definitive, looking at all of the info re HPV off Google, it seems that condoms whilst they may be a help in prevention, are generally not regarded as a sure preventative measure.

From what I can gather, it seems that HPV can be fairly easily spread with just the skin to skin contact around the genital area and of course a condom is not going to cover all of this area.

So whilst as with many other STD's condoms are almost essential in many casual contacts, I don't think one should feel that they are the end of the concern.

I still go back to what the good doctor told me here in Thailand, that HPV is something which is a bit of a 'sleeper' and once more women get around to having regular Pap Smears, the incidence of this STD will surprise many!

[Sheryl]

Unfortunately Thai and other Asian women rarely get gyn exams or pap smears, and it is very hard to convince them to do so despite an abundance of female gyn specialists in Thailand.

The new HPV vaccine is reccommended for all girls/women between ages 11 to 26 years, the earlier the better as the idea is to give it before she has contacted the virus and thus, best if given before sexually active. When already sexually active, should check first for HPV and if negative can get the vaccine, even if over age 26. (It won'rt cause any harm to vaccinate if already infected but it also won't do any good, and the vaccine is costly).

As soon as the vaccine came on the market I brought my yound Cambodian niece, who is like a daughter to me, to receive it. I also marched her through a gyn check-up and pap smear because I knew she would never in a million years get one of her own accord and I wanted her to overcome that. She was very resistant and I had to hold her hand throughout but when it was over she agreed that it was, in fact, no worse than a visit to the dentist. I think she would now feel free to consult a gyn if she had a problem. Recently one of her college classmates learned she had HPV. My niece is now very, very happy she had the vaccine and smear and ready to make regular gyn checks a part of her life. All those with daughters, take heed.