Aa
General STD info
Hello,
I am worried about the possibility of genital warts. I had only ever sucked 5/10 men one of which I swallowed. 7/10 men performed fellatio on me. I have had anal sex with 5/10 – where I was on top and it was protected. I am circumcised.
I was worried because on the bottom shaft of my penis, I found a spot which I burst and white pus came out with a little blood. I went to see one doctor and spoke to another and both doctors assured me that this was not an outbreak of genital warts. They said these characteristics are not characteristic of warts and herpes. After three days the spot has gone. I have never had any other symptoms of genital warts.
However, I became worried about HPV and cancer.
This is my analysis and perhaps you can tell me if you agree. I spoke to the examining doctor who agreed.
I have never had penetrative anal sex (I have been licked down there once or twice, not for long but this carries no risk of HPV infection realistically), therefore I have not put myself at risk of anal cancer caused by HPV.
Regarding penile cancer, I have read that HPV does not survive well in the mouth (like HIV) and so it wouldn’t be realistically possible to get it from just oral sex when other penetrative anal sex has been protected.
Regarding, throat cancer from HPV caused by oral sex. Apparently, it isn’t HPV alone that causes oral cancer - it helps bring about oral cancer when combined with smoking and drinking (which I don’t do). I have seen that the statistic is 1/85,000. Therefore from my sexual history have I nothing to worry about? I have a dry cough after a cold for 2 weeks which concerns me.
Is it possible that if one had the cancerous strain of HPV then the immune system can get rid of that as with the other strains that people commonly eradicate? I have had a wart on my finger and verrucas before does this give me a great chance of immunity from other strains? Like how having herpes 1 gives you a greater chance of immunity from herpes 2?
I am worried about the possibility of genital warts. I had only ever sucked 5/10 men one of which I swallowed. 7/10 men performed fellatio on me. I have had anal sex with 5/10 – where I was on top and it was protected. I am circumcised.
I was worried because on the bottom shaft of my penis, I found a spot which I burst and white pus came out with a little blood. I went to see one doctor and spoke to another and both doctors assured me that this was not an outbreak of genital warts. They said these characteristics are not characteristic of warts and herpes. After three days the spot has gone. I have never had any other symptoms of genital warts.
However, I became worried about HPV and cancer.
This is my analysis and perhaps you can tell me if you agree. I spoke to the examining doctor who agreed.
I have never had penetrative anal sex (I have been licked down there once or twice, not for long but this carries no risk of HPV infection realistically), therefore I have not put myself at risk of anal cancer caused by HPV.
Regarding penile cancer, I have read that HPV does not survive well in the mouth (like HIV) and so it wouldn’t be realistically possible to get it from just oral sex when other penetrative anal sex has been protected.
Regarding, throat cancer from HPV caused by oral sex. Apparently, it isn’t HPV alone that causes oral cancer - it helps bring about oral cancer when combined with smoking and drinking (which I don’t do). I have seen that the statistic is 1/85,000. Therefore from my sexual history have I nothing to worry about? I have a dry cough after a cold for 2 weeks which concerns me.
Is it possible that if one had the cancerous strain of HPV then the immune system can get rid of that as with the other strains that people commonly eradicate? I have had a wart on my finger and verrucas before does this give me a great chance of immunity from other strains? Like how having herpes 1 gives you a greater chance of immunity from herpes 2?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
First comment: Nobody should be "worried" about penile cancer as a result of HPV. Penile cancer is very rare almost always first appear as minor lesions that are easily cured chemically or by simple removal. Radical treatments (e.g. penile amputation) are almost never needed.
Second: Your doctor's are correct tha the pimple-like bump of your penis was not HPV, which does not cause such symptoms.
Third, in regard to throat cancer and HPV, please see this thread. As you will see, it remains rare; and you are not at particularly high risk compared to any other sexually active person. See http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/HPV--Oral-Cancer-in-Men/show/1490193
And yes, the immune system successfully eliminates the large majorit of HPV infections. The cancer-causing HPV types are actually the most common -- and they are routinely eradicated by the immune system. (HPV DNA may persist, and may carry the potential for reactivation -- but most cases go away and stay away.) There is a small amount of cross-strain immunity, but for the most part people remain fully susceptible to any HPV types that have not infected them.
Finally, it is true that anal cancer risk is lower in persons who have not had receptive anal sex. Howver, the risk is not zero in anybody, and anal cancer due to HPV sometimes occurs in heterosexual men and in women and gay men who have never had anal sex. it is not true that you are at no risk for anal cancer. HPV related anal cancer occurs in hetersexual men, as well as gay men, who have never had receptive anal sex.
I do not encourage a cavalier attitude toward genital HPV infection. However, it is an inevitable consequence of sex and basically impossible to prevent. People can be vaccinated to prevent infection with the two types that cause most cancers (HPV-16 and 18) and those that cause about 90% of genital warts. But otherwise, prevention of serious outcomes depends entirely on women getting pap smears and men and women being alert to genital or anal bumps or sores, and getting them examined. This almost always allows sufficiently early diagnosis that the problem is nipped in the bud, i.e. before overt cancer develops, or at least before it invades tissues and becomes difficult to treat.
The bottom line is that the overall rates of all HPV related cancers are very low in relation to the high frequency of genital, anal, and perhaps oral HPV infections -- i.e. the vast majority of infected people do not get cancer, and when they do generally it is easily treated before reaching a dangerous stage.
I hope this helps put things into perspective for you. Regards-- HHH, MD
First comment: Nobody should be "worried" about penile cancer as a result of HPV. Penile cancer is very rare almost always first appear as minor lesions that are easily cured chemically or by simple removal. Radical treatments (e.g. penile amputation) are almost never needed.
Second: Your doctor's are correct tha the pimple-like bump of your penis was not HPV, which does not cause such symptoms.
Third, in regard to throat cancer and HPV, please see this thread. As you will see, it remains rare; and you are not at particularly high risk compared to any other sexually active person. See http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/HPV--Oral-Cancer-in-Men/show/1490193
And yes, the immune system successfully eliminates the large majorit of HPV infections. The cancer-causing HPV types are actually the most common -- and they are routinely eradicated by the immune system. (HPV DNA may persist, and may carry the potential for reactivation -- but most cases go away and stay away.) There is a small amount of cross-strain immunity, but for the most part people remain fully susceptible to any HPV types that have not infected them.
Finally, it is true that anal cancer risk is lower in persons who have not had receptive anal sex. Howver, the risk is not zero in anybody, and anal cancer due to HPV sometimes occurs in heterosexual men and in women and gay men who have never had anal sex. it is not true that you are at no risk for anal cancer. HPV related anal cancer occurs in hetersexual men, as well as gay men, who have never had receptive anal sex.
I do not encourage a cavalier attitude toward genital HPV infection. However, it is an inevitable consequence of sex and basically impossible to prevent. People can be vaccinated to prevent infection with the two types that cause most cancers (HPV-16 and 18) and those that cause about 90% of genital warts. But otherwise, prevention of serious outcomes depends entirely on women getting pap smears and men and women being alert to genital or anal bumps or sores, and getting them examined. This almost always allows sufficiently early diagnosis that the problem is nipped in the bud, i.e. before overt cancer develops, or at least before it invades tissues and becomes difficult to treat.
The bottom line is that the overall rates of all HPV related cancers are very low in relation to the high frequency of genital, anal, and perhaps oral HPV infections -- i.e. the vast majority of infected people do not get cancer, and when they do generally it is easily treated before reaching a dangerous stage.
I hope this helps put things into perspective for you. Regards-- HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The reasons are unknown why HPV remains inactive in some people and reactivates in a minority. As you rightly surmise, major insults to the immune system -- advanced cancer, HIV, chemotherapy, etc -- increase the risk. But otherewise it is not possible to predict in any particular person. But even if there is reactivation, serious outcomes are rare. I suggest you stop worrying about things you can't control, especially when the risk of a bad outcome (even with reactivation) is so low.
In the US, the chance any particular person will be dead of an accident (auto, drowning, falls, etc, etc) within 12 months is around 1 in 1,756. I don't know the UK data, but I imagine it isn't much different. That means the chance you'll be dead within a year is many times higher (maybe hundreds of times higher) than the chance you will have an HPV-related malignancy someday. So I suggest you stop worrying about it, and concentrate on those life risks that really make a difference -- e.g. use your seatbelt and don't smoke.
Thanks for the donation offer, but MedHelp is a commercial entity; the .org web address is left over from its initial, nonprofit days. If you want to donate to STD/HIV prevention, I suggest you find a suitable organization in the UK.
That will have to end this thread. Take are.
In the US, the chance any particular person will be dead of an accident (auto, drowning, falls, etc, etc) within 12 months is around 1 in 1,756. I don't know the UK data, but I imagine it isn't much different. That means the chance you'll be dead within a year is many times higher (maybe hundreds of times higher) than the chance you will have an HPV-related malignancy someday. So I suggest you stop worrying about it, and concentrate on those life risks that really make a difference -- e.g. use your seatbelt and don't smoke.
Thanks for the donation offer, but MedHelp is a commercial entity; the .org web address is left over from its initial, nonprofit days. If you want to donate to STD/HIV prevention, I suggest you find a suitable organization in the UK.
That will have to end this thread. Take are.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm not familiar with "jag", but apparently you mean shot, injection, or vaccine.
I already said that once HPV has been cleared, people are resistant (perhaps entirely immune) to new infection with the same type. It is unknown whether the vaccine enhances that natural protection. In any case, except for virgins, almost nobody who gets immunized against HPV knows with certainty which strains s/he has had or is susceptible to. However, even for the most sexually active, it is rare to have beeun infected with all 4 types covered by Gardasil. Therefore, most sexually active young persons (under 26 tears old) and not in impermanent, mutually committed relationships will benefit from immunization.
I already said that once HPV has been cleared, people are resistant (perhaps entirely immune) to new infection with the same type. It is unknown whether the vaccine enhances that natural protection. In any case, except for virgins, almost nobody who gets immunized against HPV knows with certainty which strains s/he has had or is susceptible to. However, even for the most sexually active, it is rare to have beeun infected with all 4 types covered by Gardasil. Therefore, most sexually active young persons (under 26 tears old) and not in impermanent, mutually committed relationships will benefit from immunization.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If you have been infected with HPV 16 or 18, you can assume it has cleared up or will within 2 years or so; 9 months is possible but not secure. Once HPV has cleared, people probably are resistant to new infections with the same virus type. However, immunization with Gardasil still would be a good idea. You do not know which HPV type(s) you have had, and may still be susceptible to HPV-16 and 18; and you probably have not had HPV-6 or 11, the main cause of genital warts, which Gardasil also prevents.
The word limit is intentionally "restrictring", to relieve the moderators from reading such long essays as you have wittten here, and I have only quickly scanned it. I'll just say that the lab tests for HSV-2, viral hepatitis, and HIV are highly reliable, and the results outweigh the large majority of symptoms, other lab work, etc. If those tests were negative, you can be quite sure you don't have any of those infections. If you require more detailed information than that, you'll have to post new questions on both this and the HIV forum. However, I recommend you scan those forums for questions similar to yours; almost certainly you can find the answers you need without paying the posting fees.
The word limit is intentionally "restrictring", to relieve the moderators from reading such long essays as you have wittten here, and I have only quickly scanned it. I'll just say that the lab tests for HSV-2, viral hepatitis, and HIV are highly reliable, and the results outweigh the large majority of symptoms, other lab work, etc. If those tests were negative, you can be quite sure you don't have any of those infections. If you require more detailed information than that, you'll have to post new questions on both this and the HIV forum. However, I recommend you scan those forums for questions similar to yours; almost certainly you can find the answers you need without paying the posting fees.
Just full read this again - such terrific advice. Appreciate it greatly. Thanks again.
Chris
Chris
Many thanks.
Also, I would like to donate some money to this foundation, are there any links? This is such an invaluable service and I greatly appreciate it.
Also, please please please answer this when would one not clear the HPV virus? I.e. someone with a weak immune system, due to chemo or HIV for instance?
Thanks a million
Also, please please please answer this when would one not clear the HPV virus? I.e. someone with a weak immune system, due to chemo or HIV for instance?
Thanks a million
Sorry - UK-ism! I did mean shot/injection/vaccine!
Thanks for the prompt response. I can sleep well tonight.
Cheers,
C
Thanks for the prompt response. I can sleep well tonight.
Cheers,
C
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
That's supposed to be "permanent", not impermanent.
Thank you doc. You all provide an invaluable service and should be commended. There is frequently so much media hype and false info available, so I appreciate your quick response.
Last question about HPV, I promise - I just want to be 110% clear. Should I get a Gardasil jag just now despite the fact I am unaware if i have any of the strains it covers? As said, I am unaware if I have any of the strains that the jag covers, but say I did have any of the strains, once they would be cleared from my immune system, will I be covered by the jag as well as any acquired immunity from the infection? Obviously, if I didn't have the virus, then the jag would work perfectly, so I just wanted to find out if I should get it regardless of knowing my status.
Thank you again and have a lovely weekend.
Chris.
Last question about HPV, I promise - I just want to be 110% clear. Should I get a Gardasil jag just now despite the fact I am unaware if i have any of the strains it covers? As said, I am unaware if I have any of the strains that the jag covers, but say I did have any of the strains, once they would be cleared from my immune system, will I be covered by the jag as well as any acquired immunity from the infection? Obviously, if I didn't have the virus, then the jag would work perfectly, so I just wanted to find out if I should get it regardless of knowing my status.
Thank you again and have a lovely weekend.
Chris.
Dr,
Thank you for this comment. I am reassured that HPV is an inevitability of sexual contact and that if one wishes to have an enjoyable and healthy sex life then one cannot worry about such things.
I meant to say too, but the word limit was restricting, if the vast majority of infections clear and I have seen posts where I think it was roughly 9 months or so, is it best to get a Gardasil vaccination now, and then once the HPV 16 and 18 were to leave my body, I would then be immunised against it? By the way, I have not been tested to see if I have such strains, so I was thinking I should get the vaccination either way just to cover me at both ends?
I have just two more queries that I hope you will please answer for me.
I have had cold sores before, always recurring in my bottom left lip. Now, it is usually just a tingling feeling that goes away.
I was worried about the possibility of genital herpes. Both doctors once again said that if I had genital herpes I would have known by now, because it would have been very painful and I would have felt very unwell. They also said, there is no point in testing as I could come back positive for both strains but may actually be immune due to my mother. Therefore, they said, it is based on a clinical diagnosis at the time when sores begin to appear. However, I have yet to have an outbreak, or any symptoms at all. So, can I be assured I do not have it? The doctors said having HSV1 provides for some immunity against HSV2. I have always had protected penetretive sex as I said before, and I read somewhere that the risk of getting genital herpes from fellatio was a little under 1 in 1000, which stands me in good stead.
Lastly, I had tests for Hep A, B and C at roughly 14/15 weeks. I also had a liver function test too. Hep tests were neg, liver function test perfect apart from a tiny increase in albumin. Both docs said this was conclusive and if I had hep A, B, C, the liver tests post 15 weeks would show it too. Ergo, why people ususally go for a liver function test first. Do you agree?
BIOCHEMISTRY
BILIRUBIN 15 umol/L 0 - 20
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE 70 IU/L 40 - 129
ASPARTATE TRANSFERASE 19 IU/L 0 - 37
ALANINE TRANSFERASE 21 IU/L 10 - 50
GAMMA GT 37 IU/L 10 - 71
TOTAL PROTEIN 72 g/L 63 - 83
ALBUMIN *51 g/L 34 - 50
GLOBULIN 21 g/L 19 - 35
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Syphilis IgG/IgM by EIA Negative
Please note change in reporting format due to
change in methodology, effective 05/11/09
HEPATITIS "A" PROFILE
Anti-Hepatitis 'A' (IgG/IgM) Negative
Comment No evidence of Hepatitis A infection
Susceptible to Hepatitis A infection
HEPATITIS "B" PROFILE
HBsAg Negative
Anti-HBs <10 mIU/ml
Anti-HBc (IgG/IgM) Negative
No evidence of Hepatitis B infection.
Hep.C Ab ELISA ( 3rd Gen ) Not Detected
Method used for HEPC: Roche Modular
these were the results.
Lastly, for sure, I also had HIV Determine Duo tests (post 28 days) and a DUO lab test at 3 months, and Insti tests (post 3 months) - all negative. Is this fully conslcusive? I was worried whencertain wesbites said 6 months for antiboides to appear. Apparently, docs said this was outdated, and in any case, p24 is not related to immune system, so would have definitely appeared on the tests at the time intervals. I was just worried that the p24 may not have been detectable. Both docs assured me this was not the case. Do you agree?
Thank you Dr - amazing service
Thank you for this comment. I am reassured that HPV is an inevitability of sexual contact and that if one wishes to have an enjoyable and healthy sex life then one cannot worry about such things.
I meant to say too, but the word limit was restricting, if the vast majority of infections clear and I have seen posts where I think it was roughly 9 months or so, is it best to get a Gardasil vaccination now, and then once the HPV 16 and 18 were to leave my body, I would then be immunised against it? By the way, I have not been tested to see if I have such strains, so I was thinking I should get the vaccination either way just to cover me at both ends?
I have just two more queries that I hope you will please answer for me.
I have had cold sores before, always recurring in my bottom left lip. Now, it is usually just a tingling feeling that goes away.
I was worried about the possibility of genital herpes. Both doctors once again said that if I had genital herpes I would have known by now, because it would have been very painful and I would have felt very unwell. They also said, there is no point in testing as I could come back positive for both strains but may actually be immune due to my mother. Therefore, they said, it is based on a clinical diagnosis at the time when sores begin to appear. However, I have yet to have an outbreak, or any symptoms at all. So, can I be assured I do not have it? The doctors said having HSV1 provides for some immunity against HSV2. I have always had protected penetretive sex as I said before, and I read somewhere that the risk of getting genital herpes from fellatio was a little under 1 in 1000, which stands me in good stead.
Lastly, I had tests for Hep A, B and C at roughly 14/15 weeks. I also had a liver function test too. Hep tests were neg, liver function test perfect apart from a tiny increase in albumin. Both docs said this was conclusive and if I had hep A, B, C, the liver tests post 15 weeks would show it too. Ergo, why people ususally go for a liver function test first. Do you agree?
BIOCHEMISTRY
BILIRUBIN 15 umol/L 0 - 20
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE 70 IU/L 40 - 129
ASPARTATE TRANSFERASE 19 IU/L 0 - 37
ALANINE TRANSFERASE 21 IU/L 10 - 50
GAMMA GT 37 IU/L 10 - 71
TOTAL PROTEIN 72 g/L 63 - 83
ALBUMIN *51 g/L 34 - 50
GLOBULIN 21 g/L 19 - 35
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Syphilis IgG/IgM by EIA Negative
Please note change in reporting format due to
change in methodology, effective 05/11/09
HEPATITIS "A" PROFILE
Anti-Hepatitis 'A' (IgG/IgM) Negative
Comment No evidence of Hepatitis A infection
Susceptible to Hepatitis A infection
HEPATITIS "B" PROFILE
HBsAg Negative
Anti-HBs <10 mIU/ml
Anti-HBc (IgG/IgM) Negative
No evidence of Hepatitis B infection.
Hep.C Ab ELISA ( 3rd Gen ) Not Detected
Method used for HEPC: Roche Modular
these were the results.
Lastly, for sure, I also had HIV Determine Duo tests (post 28 days) and a DUO lab test at 3 months, and Insti tests (post 3 months) - all negative. Is this fully conslcusive? I was worried whencertain wesbites said 6 months for antiboides to appear. Apparently, docs said this was outdated, and in any case, p24 is not related to immune system, so would have definitely appeared on the tests at the time intervals. I was just worried that the p24 may not have been detectable. Both docs assured me this was not the case. Do you agree?
Thank you Dr - amazing service
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
