Tuesday: Human papillomavirus and stigma

Today there was an aftershock in Los Angeles and I found out I tested positive for HPV.

I went to the gynecologist for my annual and to undergo a complete STD screening, which any responsible sexually active person does regularly. The doctor called today to let me know that I tested negative for everything except HPV.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It is a virus that infects the epidermis and mucous membranes of humans. There are hundreds of different strains of HPV, and most people recover from it within two years without ever manifesting symptoms. But some strains can cause warts while others can lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus in women, and cancers of the anus and penis in men, although the strains that cause cancer in men are rare.

Unfortunately, there is no approved test to detect HPV in men who do not show symptoms. Many people are carriers and never know it.

With the exception of only a couple of incidents, I have always used a condom during sex, and those exceptions were as informed as they could be. Nor is there data that proves condoms to be 100% effective against contracting HPV, though they do help. I made the best decisions, and the results didn't pan out, so I'm not too upset.

Fortunately my pap smear came back normal otherwise, and with cervical cancer potentially the worst outcome of HPV, all I need to do is educate myself, remain healthy, inform future partners, and check back with another pap smear in six months.

And why am I writing about this? Because there is a stigma attached to sexually transmitted diseases and infections, shaming those who suffer into an uncomfortable silence and driving others into ignorance. You wouldn't shame someone for catching a cold, would you? All right, so that's not exactly a fair comparison, but the point is that people pass around diseases through all sorts of contact, intimate or otherwise. Most sexually transmitted diseases and infections can be easily treated. I'm not ashamed. You can wash your hands a million times in a day and still get the flu. It's important to know the facts, use protection, get tested regularly, and develop a healthy relationship with sex and sexuality.

Educating yourself (In regard to anything!) is one of the greatest ways you can empower yourself, and when it comes to sexual health, there is no excuse for ignorance. There are plenty of educational and care resources, and those resources are usually loaded with free condoms, so check out anxiety is no excuse! Know the facts, know your body, know your partner, and use protection!

Oh, and if you're in Southern California, make sure your earthquake kit is ready!