TresSugar

Front Page: HPV Vaccine Reminds Girls of Sexual Risks

TresSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:43 -0700

A new study shows that the HPV vaccine reminds girls of risks associated with sex, such as contracting STDs, instead of giving them a license to be promiscuous as some people feared. - Salon
Wal-Mart is now selling affordable coffins. - BBC News
A Dutch court has told 14-year-old Laura Dekker that she is too inexperienced to sail around the world by herself, and she will be placed under the guardianship of child protection authorities until next year. - New York Times
A sixth person has been arrested for the gang rape of the 15-year-old California girl outside her homecoming dance. - CNN
Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates and Cambridge Police Sergeant James Crowley sat down for another beer this week, this time without President Obama. - Huffington Post

You Asked: How Can I Get Over My Guilt?

DearSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I've been dating my boyfriend for almost a year and we've been friends for three years before that. We're very much in love and plan on getting married and having kids. About four years ago I found out that I have HPV which developed into genital warts - I've since had treatment and the warts are gone. I never told my boyfriend for fear that he wouldn't have wanted to be with me, but the guilt was killing me so I told him the truth this week. He reacted very well and we are still together, but I'm a wreck about all this. How can I let go of my guilt so it doesn't affect my relationship any more than it already has? - Remorseful Renata

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Remorseful Renata,

I'm glad to hear that you've told your boyfriend the truth about your HPV, because as I'm sure you know, you can pass it to him even if you have no signs of genital warts. With that said, it's imperative that he gets tested and I urge you to use condoms every time you have sex, if you aren't already taking that preventive measure.

A diagnosis of an STI can go hand-in-hand with a lot of guilt and shame, so if you're still experiencing those feelings, I suggest talking about it with a trusted friend, your boyfriend, or a therapist. You can also call an anonymous hotline - they hire trained individuals who have a wealth of information about all STIs and great tips on how to cope with them. Carrying around any kind of guilt has the ability to eat you up inside, so turn to those around you for support and hopefully now that you've told your boyfriend the truth, your guilt will dissipate with time.

Source

You Asked: I'm Ready to Open Up About My HPV Diagnosis

DearSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

About three years ago I was diagnosed with HPV. I just got out of a serious relationship and have been dating this new guy who is absolutely great! Before we become sexually active, I believe that he must know that I have HPV. I am unsure on how to approach him with this and what to say. I can't help but feel afraid for how he'll react. We haven't talked about sex yet, but I just want to be prepared when the time comes. Do you have any advice on how to tell a new partner about HPV?

- Up Front Fiona

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Up Front Fiona,

I think it's great that you're being so conscious and direct about your HPV diagnosis. I definitely agree that it's something that should be discussed beforehand, and I'm sure if nothing else, you're new guy will be grateful for your honesty. You may want to do some research on HPV in men before bringing it up to him, so that if he has any questions, you'll be ready to answer them. Often when men hear about HPV they assume that it's just a women's STI, but it's important that he understands that he can be a carrier of the disease, pass it on to other sexual partners, and never experience any symptoms.

I'd also specify whether or not you were diagnosed with low-risk (genital warts) or high-risk (abnormal cervical cells) HPV in order to give him a better understanding of the specific type of HPV that he could be exposed to. Most importantly, keep and open dialog with him and make sure he understands that he can open up to you about any concerns he might be having. As long as you keep the lines of communication open, you guys should have nothing to worry about.

Source

Anal HPV (Yep, That's What I Said)

DearSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:00:00 -0700

So I'm sure you're sick of me talking about HPV, the STI that can cause genital warts and certain types of cervical cancer, but I'm not finished yet. There's also another type of HPV you should know about - anal HPV - that's just as common as cervical HPV.

No, anal HPV isn't only contracted through anal sex, although women who engage in this act are definitely more at risk, but so are women who are young, white, with lower levels of education and income, and a history of having multiple sexual partners. It can also be passed through sexual play (by using fingers or sharing sex toys). It's thought that oral sex may also transmit anal HPV, although doctors unfortunately aren't clear about all the ways it can be transmitted.

Why is anal HPV something to watch out for? To find out read more.

The thing to know is that anal HPV can lead to anal cancer. Although this is rare, more than 4,600 are diagnosed with anal cancer in the US each year and nearly 700 people die from it.

Dear's Advice: Doctors are not urging women to get anal Pap tests (phew), so the best thing you can do is to be sure you use protection when you engage in any type of sexual activity. Since many women have no symptoms and don't even know they have HPV, be sure to get tested regularly. If you're not in a committed relationship with one person, you may want to think about getting the Gardasil vaccine. It won't protect you from all types of HPV, but at least you'll be protected against the four types that are linked to 70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts. Doctors think that this vaccine may also help protect against anal HPV.

Source

One in Four Teenage Girls Has an STI

DearSugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 07:00:00 -0700

I know teens are having sex, but I just heard some disturbing news. One out of every four girls, aged 14 to 19, has an STI. That means more than 3 million teenage girls nationwide are infected, according to a study from the federal Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. The study tested for four STIs and found that 18 percent of the girls had HPV, the virus responsible for causing genital warts and certain types of cervical cancer. Chlamydia affected 4 percent, trichomoniasis (a common parasite) affected 2.5 percent, and 2 percent of the girls were infected with herpes.

This of course is really sad news, but lack of education is mostly to blame. Girls and anyone who's sexually active for that matter, need to know that STIs can be passed through oral sex just as much as they can with vaginal intercourse. They need to know how to protect themselves by using male and female condoms, and dental dams. Men and women also need to get tested for STIs before becoming sexually intimate. It's recommended that anyone who is sexually active and not in a monogamous relationship get the Gardasil vaccine to prevent this virus to reduce the chance of developing certain types of cervical cancer. Hopefully these scary statistics can help protect people from passing STIs.

Source

Oral Sex Doesn't Equal Safe Sex

DearSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:00:00 -0800

I hate to bring up this not-so-fun topic, but I'm concerned. Many of my friends have dated guys that they wouldn't have sex because they were worried about STIs, but they didn't seem the least bit worried about having oral sex. When your mouth has contact with someone else's business, you can very well get a whole plethora of STIs - the problem is that many of these sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic, which means you can't tell if someone is infected just by looking at them. That also means an infected person may not realize they even have an STI so they let their partner perform oral sex on them while unknowingly and accidentally passing the infection on to them.

Which STIs can be passed on through oral sex? To find out read more.

Gonorrhea: I know this is gross, but if you perform oral sex on an infected person, you can get gonorrhea of the throat.

Chlamydia: This can also infect the throat in the same way.

Genital Herpes: This STI is passed by skin-to-skin contact with a developing or existing sore. Unfortunately, even when there are no sores present, an infected person can still pass it on to their partner.

Genital Warts (HPV): This can be passed on when an uninfected person touches infected skin on their partner's genitals. So you don't even have to be having vaginal or oral sex in order to get HPV from someone else.

Syphilis: If a person performs oral sex on someone who's infected, and they come in contact with an open sore or a skin rash, they can get syphilis, too. Since lesions can appear on the genitals and on the lips and mouth, that means you can even get it from kissing an infected person.

HIV: This potentially deadly STI can be passed on through blood (including menstrual fluid), semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk. So if a person performs oral pleasure on an infected person, and if they have a cut or sore in their mouth or on their gums, then they can contract HIV, too.

I know this is all very scary information, but knowing the facts will help keep you safe. Before becoming sexually active, you and your partner should get tested. It'll show that you respect one another, that you're responsible, and your sense of relief will make it all worth while when you do share that kind of intimacy.

Dear's Advice: If you are planning on having oral sex even though you're not sure about your partner's STI history, using male and female condoms and dental dams can reduce your risk tremendously.

Source

Should Boys Shoulder the Burden, Too?

DearSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:00:00 -0800

A weekend New York Times article is still on my mind. It alerted readers to the possibility of Gardasil - the much talked about HPV vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer - being administered to young boys as further protection for females. It's widely known that men can carry the virus without any knowledge of it, leading to easy and inadvertent exposure to their partners. According to the article:

By 2009, the vaccine could be approved for boys as well. Although Gardasil also protects against genital warts, which are not life threatening, the primary reason to extend approval to boys would be to slow the rates of cervical cancer. Public health folks charmlessly call this “herd immunity.”

While I have my own reservations about newly released vaccines and drugs, I find the idea of boys taking responsibility for sexually related concerns refreshing. What are your thoughts? Do you think boys should shoulder the burden, too?

Source

Are you For or Against the HPV Vaccine?

DearSugar — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 14:45:00 -0700

HPV, otherwise known as the Human Papilloma Virus, is a Cancer causing virus that affects approximately 20 million people nationwide. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6.2 million Americans get a new genital HPV infection each year. Even though this virus affects so many women, there are usually no symptoms, therefore many cases go undetected. While regular pap screenings and education is key, some say that is simply just not enough.

Many cities and communities across the nation are trying to issue mandatory vaccinations against HPV for women under the age of 25. While some parents are on board with this precautionary measure, others worry their daughters, sisters, and friends will be given a false sense of security against sexually transmitted diseases.

Clearly this is a very delicate subject, and while there is much more research to be done, do you think the HPV vaccine should be made mandatory for all women under 25?

Source

Doctors Tell Women to Ditch Annual Pap Test

TresSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:42 -0800

There may be no need to feel guilty about putting off your annual trip to the gynecologist anymore! New guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists assert that healthy women should not get cervical cancer screening pap tests every year. Instead they encourage women to get the screening every two to three years. The medical group also recommends against getting a pap test until after the age of 21, even if an adolescent is sexually active.

The new recommendations against annual cervical cancer screenings are not intended to save you embarrassment or discomfort - they're meant to prevent unnecessary and possibly harmful treatments. For example, treatment of precancerous HPV symptoms that would otherwise go away on their own puts women at a higher risk of giving birth to a premature or underweight baby. Still, cervical cancer rates have dropped 50 percent since the 1970s mostly thanks to the pap test, so I hope the doctors aren't trying to fix something that isn't broken. But the authors of the guidelines explain that the same results can be accomplished with less-regular screenings.

I'll admit the idea that less screening can be better for your sexual health seems counterintuitive. Will you stick to your annual pap test or do you welcome a chance to get one less frequently?

Hump Day: Is My Cold Sore Contagious?

TresSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's sex advice column! Are you confused about sex? Do you have trouble having an orgasm? Is there something you'd like to try but you're worried it's too weird? Send your questions to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman from Good Vibrations will offer his sound advice!

Today's Question:

“I know that cold sores are the same virus as herpes. Is it a bad idea to go down on my boy when I have one? Is it transmissible that way?” To hear what Dr. Glickman has to say, read more.

Dr. Glickman's Answer:

YES!!!

There are two types of herpes virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Oral herpes is usually HSV-1 and it’s estimated that 80 percent of the population has been exposed to it. Genital herpes is usually HSV-2 and it’s estimated that 25 percent of women and 12 percent of men have it. However, genital herpes can be caused by either version of the virus, so going down on someone when you have a cold sore (another name for a herpes outbreak) can spread it. To make things a bit more complicated, only about 1/3 of the people who have genital herpes are aware of it - either they’ve never had an outbreak or the outbreak was very mild. (See herpes.com for more info.)

Part of what makes herpes tricky is that it can be transmitted even when you don’t have a visible outbreak. The virus lives in your nervous system and every so often, it’ll come to the surface. It’s especially likely to happen when you’re sick or have been stressed for a while. There’s evidence that the virus starts shedding from the skin (and is therefore potentially contagious) before any visible symptoms. It’s a low risk, but it’s a possibility. To make matters worse, if the site of the shedding isn’t covered by a condom, it can be spread even when you’re practicing safer sex.

While herpes can be uncomfortable, it doesn’t represent nearly as much risk as other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papilloma virus (HPV), or HIV. Having said that, there’s evidence that HSV-2 makes HIV transmission more likely. See this article for more information about how that works.

It’s also worth mentioning that I’ve seen a lot of people get really upset about STIs when they don’t get nearly as upset about any other health issue. I’ve also seen a lot of people who have all sorts of judgment about STIs but think nothing of going to work and sharing their flu germs (or worse)! STIs can be unpleasant, annoying, or life-threatening, but they don’t mean anything about the person who has them any more than chicken pox or measles do. Negative attitudes about STIs are a holdover from before we invented antibiotics and when diseases such as syphilis were seen as the wages of sin. But now we know that they’re just germs and we don’t need to shame people for having them. (Not that I’m saying that you’re doing that, but I wanted to mention it.)

The best thing that we can all do is to get tested for STIs regularly, even if you’ve never had a symptom. Lots of people have STIs and don’t know it. Check your local Planned Parenthood or other agency for information, although I recommend going with anonymous testing in order to ensure your privacy.

And safer sex is always a good choice. It’s easy to do, with a little practice. Using a lubricant can make safer sex more enjoyable since latex tends to have a bit more friction than skin. Try a silicone-based brand if you’re prone to yeast infections. Water-based brands are a bit easier to clean up since they rinse away.

If you or your partner don’t like the way condoms feel, try a different brand. The Japanese-process condoms such as Maxx and Skinless Skin are more sheer than other types. Or you could give Skyn a whirl. It’s made from polyisoprene, rather than latex, so it’s very sheer and both people will get more sensation.

Given that you have oral herpes, you might want to talk with your boyfriend about using condoms for oral sex. If you go that route, change the condom before having intercourse. That will make sure that you don’t spread the herpes virus to your vulva or vagina. It’ll also reduce the risk of your condom breaking; teeth can cause small abrasions that weaken the condom.

For an excellent, sex-positive read on safer sex, check out The Hot Guide to Safer Sex . It’s full of helpful advice and great tips.