Any swingers actually get an STD through swinging?

[positivelyus]

I had to respond to this one as I came on here to look for other infected couples. YES I got HPV-2 from swinging. Just three months back into the lifestyle after a three year break from it. I am still recovering from my first outbreak. The first thing I did on the way home from the doctor is call everyone who had contact with me in the time period I caught it. It was the hardest thing I have ever did. None of them, and I mean none admitted to it. I had just been tested for everything 4 weeks prior and know that I was clean at that point. It has been the most life changing experience of my life.
The person I got it from, part of a couple. A very popular couple I might add. Since 1 in 4 women have it and 1 in 5 men. The chances are pretty good that it is in the lifestlye. I didn't know this before, but my fault for not being informed. I know most do not realize they have it.
Two out of the three people I had contact with have been tested and did not get infected, for that I am grateful. The other didn't seem too interested in finding out. HMM Wonder why? Yes, swinging is supposed to be about honesty and openness. Something to think about. We are all adults in this lifestyle and know we are taking a risk, but knowingly exposing someone is just not right. I couldn't do that and I won't do that. Still angry, but I am still alive and that which doesn't kill me will make me stronger and wiser. My life is not over, but it certainly has changed.
Maybe I am being overly optimistic, but with those stats I figure we can meet other infected couples for friendship.

[Edison Carter]

Here's the statistical data on non-HIV STD's. If you have 10 infected people, two people infected the other eight. 50% of the time a person's partner knew they were placing someone at risk for infection. 50% of the time they didn't.

The data is slightly skewed to younger people of lower economic/education levels, but you get the idea. Neither Ed or I have contracted an STD, but we are smart about things, not perfect, but smart.

[dragonblade]

I just want to make a couple of comments here. I worked for an OB/GYN for about 2 years and STD testing was a routine thing we did. When someone asked for testing, they were tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea and if it looked like they were possibly having an HSV outbreak then for herpes. Why? Because you cannot test for herpes without an active lesion to scrape to test. The other thing, is if you ever had sex with more than one person in the last 20+ years, you have no idea who you got it from.. I'm sorry and I swear I don't mean to sound harsh to anyone here but HSV can lay dormant for 20 years or more. Same goes for HPV.. that's why they're virii, any can lay dormant for a long, long time.If you've had more than one partner then you don't know who you got it from.

It sounds like sometimes HSV and HPV get mixed up and interchanged when they are not the same thing. HPV is Human Papilloma Virus. Most strains cause nothing. However there are several strains that cause a woman to get abnormal cells that if left can turn into cancerous cells. Even the cells that turn abnormal aren't guaranteed to turn into cancerous cells, doctors remove them to be safe (which I believe is the best course) There isn't easy and pain free testing for a man for HSV like you can with a pap smear for a woman, but there is a test that involves a really thin q-tip taking a swab of the inside of the penis through the opening. Not much fun, but it's there. Results however aren't always conclusive.

HSV (I and II) are Herpes Simplex Virus. Also known as cold sores (I) and genital warts (II). They do NOT cause abnormal cells on your pap smear, and if you have one and have relations with someone that doesn't have it you can pass it on.. in other words if you have a cold sore, and have oral sex with someone you can give them genital warts. HSV I can mutate into HSV II or vice versa depending on the breeding grounds. Sadly, a good friend of mine believed a fellow who said he had "sunburn" on his lip and allowed him to go down on her.. she how has HSV II and no longer swings as a single female. It's a shame.

Thankfully as far as my husband and I are aware, we don't have either disease, and I get tested every year along with my pap smear and STD tests in between.. but that's not to say that either haven't manifested yet, just like any other person out there that has had sex in their lives with more than one person...

I didn't mean to offend, demean or otherwise insult anyone here, but the mixing of herpes with HPV concerned me for people who may think they're the same thing.. they aren't. Best of wishes to everyone dealing with any of these issues, it's a very sensitive issue and I hope it all works out well for you.

~Blade~

[StacyCat]

Blade, a lot of things have happened in HSV research recently. So, clearing up a few things.

You can get a blood test that will confirm antibodies for HSV. I have several friends that test positive for HSV II that have never had an outbreak. You do not know if its oral or genital until you have an outbreak. Also, the forms do not mutate, you can have HSV II in the mouth region, and HSV I in the genitals.

Also, genital warts are not the same thing as herpes. Warts are within the HPV family, and the strains that cause warts are not the same strains that cause cancer (however, many people carry multiple strains).

[dayhiker]

I want to thanks each person for sharing their story and knowledge. I feel the more people that share the easier it is for otehrs to share their experience.
I've often wondered about the gap between the numbers published and the seemingly few swingers that said they had anything.

After I played with several ladies, I went to get a STD test. I had no sypmtons. I was in a free Boston area clynic about an hour between having the test taken and being back for the results. During that time I saw one lady that I'd guess was there for testing. I tested clean. But I did wonder if STD's were so common how come more people weren't going thru this clinic to get tested.

Of course, the averages mean nothing in one sense. Either we get and STD and then have to deal with it. Or we doen't get anything and thank God or our lucky stars. The average does give us an idea of risk. But as commented, that can mean someone will go their whole life and not get anything while the next person can get something the 1st time.

My thoughts,
dayhiker

[Merric]

BorisNatasha you sound like wonderful and caring people. I sincerely hope all swingers who read your post and who know they’re infected with something and prior remained silent will now follow your lead in all lifestyle practices. *Hugs you both.” Wish I could do more for you but you’re doing all you can on your own. I wish you the best.