I really care about someone who has genital warts and we have not had sex, but if we do I will probably become infected because it is very contagious to touch even with condoms. I have fallen in love, but I'm scared of being infected. What should I do? Is it possible to make this work?
2007-09-19 15:28:46 · 7 answers · asked by A C 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
I'm not sure if you are a woman or man, but if you are a woman you should look into getting the HPV vaccine called Gardasil.
The vaccine protects against 4 different kinds of HPV (two known to cause about 70% of cervical cancer and two known to cause about 90% of genital warts).
If you do decide to pursue a relationship with this person and you ever have sex or have any sexual contact with them then there will ALWAYS be a chance you could contract HPV. Condoms HELP prevent the spread of the virus, but they are not 100% effective, especially with DIRECT skin to skin contact diseases like HPV and genital herpes. These viruses can be spread even when condoms are used. Condoms only cover the penis and not the entire genital area. So, even if the man is wearing a condom, just the rubbing back and forth of the genital areas during sex or foreplay is enough to spread HPV.
Although genital warts are a nuisance and are pretty nasty to look at, they are not the end of the world! They are completely treatable with different medications or therapy. Cervical cancer is the main concern with HPV. With proper screenings though, like pap smears, most abnormalities on the cervix caused by HPV can be caught and treated before they turn into cancer.
It's estimated about 75 - 80% of the WORLD has HPV. It's VERY common. You are just going to have to make a personal decision about whether or not you want to be with this person. My fiance decided to stay with me despite me having two incurable diseases. He loves me for me, viruses and all. Take care and good luck!
http://www.gardasil.com/who-should-receive-gardasil.html
2007-09-19 17:45:39 · answer #1 · answered by Alli 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, if you are male, there is no FDA approved test for HPV (which causes genital warts) unless you have visible symptoms. And many strains of HPV to not exhibit visible symptoms. Therefore, it isn't definitive if you have HPV or not.
If you are female, there are higher risks associated with HPV - the chance of getting cervical Cancer. In this case, I would highly recommend that you get the Gardisil vaccination to protect yourself against some of the highest risk strains of the virus.
Recent research has found that HPV is one of the most common STDs:
"Approximately 20 million people are currently infected with HPV. At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. By age 50, at least 80 percent of women will have acquired genital HPV infection. About 6.2 million Americans get a new genital HPV infection each year." --http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#common
So, if you are in love, don't let HPV get in your way. Take it slow and make sure this is a relationship you want to be in long term. It is a manageable condition. My fiance decided that being with me was more important than the risks associated with the virus. Good luck.
2007-09-19 15:49:47 · answer #2 · answered by Agape 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Awe...what do they look like? Its really a decision u have to make as to whether your love for her is worth suffering whatever consequences that come along with genital warts. If u see her as a potential "marriage partner" then check with your doctor...there may be new developments for people in these situations. I cant imagine being in that situation... i think the only way I'd pursue it is if i had been infected already & we found out together. Think-what if months after u pursue the relationship she dies in a car accident...u are stuck with this alone. Dont do it dude! Call eharmony o' somein.
2007-09-19 15:40:46 · answer #3 · answered by Capricorn 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Be his best friend. I wouldn't do it. You have to weigh your own risks.
80% by age 50! Men can give without having symptoms and there is no test for men! No more premarital sex for me. My parents thank you.
2007-09-19 16:00:48 · answer #4 · answered by Yoda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There will always be a risk.
Safe sex will always be a must.
Whether or not this is a risk you can live with is up to you.
Only you can make that determination.
Good luck! :)
2007-09-19 15:59:20 · answer #5 · answered by aisydaisylady 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are you talking about warts or herpes?
If she has genital herpes, then you better be careful, because it is contagious.
2007-09-19 16:02:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its a gift....that keeps on giving!! Sorry I had to.
2007-09-19 15:53:46 · answer #7 · answered by med1 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋