Posted by AMD on February 1, 2006, at 7:45:22
In reply to Re: HPV » AMD, posted by Sarah T. on January 31, 2006, at 19:07:57
Sarah,
I tend to agree with you regarding my penchant for anxiety, but I don't agree that in this case it's coming into play. I'm not so upset as simply curious, although I realize my message was tinged with urgency.
Also, this wasn't "unplanned" unprotected sex. This is my girlfriend I'm talking about here, and if HPV is undetectable -- in me or in her -- what precaution could have taken before moving to this more intimate step?
So, my question wasn't whether what I did was "right" or whether it was even "safe" -- that is my judgment to make, particularly with something as intimate as sex.
Rather I am curious what the possibilities of getting physical symptoms from either HPV or, for that matter, herpes, assuming one has either virus. It sounds that because a) a lot of people have it and go undetected and b) there's no way to know before you have symptoms whether you have the virus or not [you seem to imply], it's basically a crap shoot and something not to worry unduly about.
To reassert what I said earlier, this was /far/ from compulsive, even risky, behavior (unless you consider unprotected sex in any circumstance risky -- a philosophy I do not agree with at all).
amd
> It is possible you had the virus prior to having intercourse with your girlfriend. Perhaps you gave it to her. Like many viruses, including herpes, it is entirely possible to have the virus without any visible evidence of it; therefore, it is possible to transmit the virus to someone else without even being aware that you have it. Years ago, when herpes first made the headlines, doctors said that the virus could not be transmitted unless visible lesions were present. We now know that is not true. Now we know that it is possible to transmit herpes even when no sores are present. Many viruses don't ever really go away, although the visible lesions can be treated. As you may have read, there is a strong correlation between certain types of HPV, the human papilloma virus, and cervical cancer; therefore, your girlfriend should be treated by her gynecologist. You should see your doctor, too.
>
> AMD, I have read a number of your posts over many months, and it appears as if you are often in a crisis-like state or you believe yourself to be in such a state. Often, you post about having used or ingested some dangerous chemical and then spend an inordinate amount of time worrying about the possible short-term and long-term consequences. Now you have engaged in unprotected sex and are worrying yourself sick over the consequences. I wonder whether there is some way you could start to think about the consequences of your actions BEFORE you do something risky or dangerous. If you are unable to effect this change by yourself, it would be a good idea for you to see a doctor who could help you, through discussion and/or medication, to change this pattern of impulsive, risky and dangerous behavior. If you don't change this pattern, you'll continue to risk your own health and the health of your friends.
poster:AMD
thread:604877
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20051214/msgs/605088.html