HPV...Is it ALL considered an STD??

[SJK977]

There are many types of HPV out there, from the types that a child might have that causes topical warts to the types which cause cervical cancer. My question to all of you is, and it goes along with a recent poll, do you tell prospective partners that you have HPV? I mean, if a guy has or has had a wart on his hand, that's HPV, just like if an examination or test shows a more serious type present. So is there a line somewhere? Like, well, it's not the bad one, so it's not worth mentioning, or if it is the worse type, that you would only seek others with the same affliction?

I know, and I kind of feel the same as those of you who have already written and experts who say that if you want to be sure to not catch it, then don't have sex. Even that doesn't even prevent it completely, because there are many different ways to catch it.

So what do you all think? Is it something to really be concerned about, or just the reality of being sexually active, considering the large percentages of the population who have it?

[todesireu]

there are about a hundred strains of HPV. of those, six are genital specific and four of those are "high risk" in that they are known to promote cervical cancer in women.
one study cited an infectivity rate of about 60% and with as few as five lifetime partners you may have already come in contact with the virus.

[PBJ]

The varieties of HPV that cause genital warts are not the same varieties that lead to cancers. While probably not pleasant, genital warts can be removed by your dermatologist and usually don't return. Personally, I think someone has an obligation to disclose if they have warts or have recently had them removed. It's a little bit more of a gray moral area if the person in question had genital warts more than a year ago. If I were in that position, I might not disclose it.

I think a person has a huge obligation (no gray area) to disclose if they knowingly have (or "had") a variety that can lead to cancer. I think that obligation extends to men who have had partners that they know to have a variety of HPV that causes cancer.

[SJK977]

I agree. Situations do differ, but there is so much talk about HPV and so many types that we thought we would ask what others around here think about it, and if it has any bearing on their activities. I wonder how many folks out there know they have it and figure "everyone's going to get it so no big deal" and don't tell prospective partners. Scary.

[mrs good times]

Originally Posted by SJK977

I agree. Situations do differ, but there is so much talk about HPV and so many types that we thought we would ask what others around here think about it, and if it has any bearing on their activities. I wonder how many folks out there know they have it and figure "everyone's going to get it so no big deal" and don't tell prospective partners. Scary.

I personally don't think that is the case with most swingers. Swingers tend to be very informed about STD's and there are swingers sites for those that do have HSV or HPV to get together so that they are not infecting people that have not been exposed.

There are bad apples in every bunch so it is up to you to be pro-active. If you are concerned ask and if you are in doubt pass.