MS and HPV strains 16 and 18

[bry425]

I am a female who three months ago had a hysterectomy due to HPV strains 16 and 18 causing low grade cervical cancer. My choice to have the hysterectomy rather than other treatment options for dysplagia. All margins clear. I'm well but may carry the hpv incessantly dormant as doctors really don't know. I have met someone and we'd like to start a serious relationship/marry. He has MS. Low level, takes Avonex, with no exacerbation or new lesions in three years since starting Avonex. I'd like to know if any male out there with MS has been exposed to hpv 16 and/or 18 by a permanent partner, and if any health issues have resulted for them. Men are not tested for hpv, but I'd like to find out anything from a male ms patient who was exposed to hpv 16 or 18 (the cervical cancer strains). Any comments would be immensely appreciated. By the way, I am 50, lovesick man with ms is 59. I don't want to compromise his immune system further, and docs have no documentation or articles regarding the exposure of male ms patients to hpv 16 and 18. 1-12-2011. Thank you!!!

[mass59]

I am a 59 year old male who had been on Avonex for 15 years. A few years ago, I had to have some pre-cancerous anal warts removed.  It was assumed that I had HPV.  I am also gay, but was not sexually active before starting Avonex.   On a check up last year, the rectal surgeon said that they are seeing an uptick of people with MS developing this problem.  Although he did not correlate it with Avonex, I am terrified;  he just found another spot. I can find no literature linking the two, but given that it is difficult to pay for the Avonex this year, I am happily taking a vacation.  

[bry425]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it.

[COBOB]

I don't think I'd say his immune system is compromised.  The issue with MS is autoimmunity.  MS is not a disease of immunosuppression like Late Stage HIV - AIDS.   Many men in the gay community have been test for various strains of HPV and some are in trials being vaccinated against the strains in the HPV Vaccination. The doctors might also be able to do HPV titers.  If he is already exposed (many males have been) then there may be no risk by additional exposures.

You can take the same precautions that serodiscordant (One person HIV Positive and the other person HIV Negative) partners take (dental dams, condoms, etc.) and still have a safe and fulfilling sex life.   Your best bet is to discuss this with your doctors and possibly and Infectious Disease Doctor.  The doctors may recommend vaccinating your partner.  They may also consider the risk of contracting HPV to be a low risk exposure and do nothing.

Most people with MS can be vaccinated with "non-live virus" vaccines.  Gardasil is a VLP (Virus Like Partials) vaccine (so it is safe)  protecting against infection by HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11.  GARDASIL was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in boys and young men ages 9 to 26.  So it could b used "off label" in an older male.    Again, I think the Infectious disease doctors could make a recommendation here.  

Hope this helps.

Bob