Is exposure to HPV inevitable?

[duo33470]

Hi we have been involved with other people for only a few months, and have done a lot of reading. We are slowly coming to believe that one way or another, exposure to HPV is inevitable as it is so common. Whether it manifests as warts or cervical problems or whatever, we are not sure, but do you think that most swingers are exposed to HPV?

[TheLorax]

Originally Posted by duo33470

Hi we have been involved with other people for only a few months, and have done a lot of reading. We are slowly coming to believe that one way or another, exposure to HPV is inevitable as it is so common. Whether it manifests as warts or cervical problems or whatever, we are not sure, but do you think that most swingers are exposed to HPV?

Yep. Not only is there a lot of ignorance about it since it's not an obvious disease, but there are a lot of folks who will either be deliberately blind to it or who will hide it. Many men will be asymptomatic but still infectious. It is one of the most common STIs in the world. You can minimize exposure, but there's no guarantee.

[Chicup]

Yes, but on the plus side HPV is curable.

[duo33470]

What does the cure involve? The reason I ask is because my wife and I enjoy doing small groups of men. One guy told us he had had warts but they were treated and went away, so he was safe to play. He seemed fine and we appreciated his honesty.

[SW_PA_Couple]

HPV and Genital Warts - urologychannel

The above is the best summary I have seen so far. Significant in my estimation are these statements:

As many as 50-75% of sexually active people are infected with HPV during their lifetime, and in most cases, the infection causes no symptoms and resolves without treatment.

There is no cure for HPV. In many cases, infection goes away on its own.

Removing warts may reduce the risk for HPV transmission, but there is no evidence for this.

I have not yet read any direct statement regarding the chance of infecting somebody else after warts disappear but reading between the lines I believe that once a person has it, that same person will be able to infect someone else.

Hope this helps.

~Michael

[Chicup]

Due to the asymptomatic rate, and the fact that one knows for sure WHEN its out of the system, there isn't a clear cut yes/no.

This is why HPV will always be with us until there is a vaccine for all strains.

[LFM2]

Originally Posted by duo33470

Whether it manifests as warts or cervical problems or whatever, we are not sure, but do you think that most swingers are exposed to HPV?

We've only been swinging for a few years. To answer this though... Yes, I think it's inevitable that with over 70 different strains, you'll eventually be exposed to HPV at some point.

The Lorax explained that many people are asymptomatic and yet still have sex with others unknowingly infecting others.

Leave the lights on and look at what you're either about to fuck or put in your mouth.

Just sayin'.

[tribbles]

Isn't the more dangerous HPV strains the ones that never or seldom have warts with them?

Meaning, you won't see them but can catch the virus.

Get regular paps (the female) and be tested for HPV and monitor for cervical cancer. It's the best ya can do.

[Unsub]

Originally Posted by tribbles

Isn't the more dangerous HPV strains the ones that never or seldom have warts with them?

Meaning, you won't see them but can catch the virus.

Get regular paps (the female) and be tested for HPV and monitor for cervical cancer. It's the best ya can do.

To answer your question, the strains that cause warts are different than those that cause cancer.
Here you can find what strains cause what:
Types of HPV

And there is no test for HPV (blood test). Unless you have genital warts or have had abnormal Pap test results, you won't be able to tell you have HPV
Genital Warts Information and Pictures

I also agree with Michael in the fact that there is no documented evidence that once the warts are gone that you are no longer contagious.
There are several treatments for warts, but even with them gone, you still have that form of HPV. So who knows if you can still pass it or not, I am going err on the side of caution with the possibility that it can still be passed on to others..

My warts have responded well to the Aldara cream. After just a few weeks a few are now gone and a few still remain but I can see changes in them

To the OP, with the current stats on the number of people infected and many dont know it, I think it is inevitable. While I do think that the swinging community is safer than the vanilla world, its still out there non the less. IMHO your play style is putting you at even greater risk. Women are more likely to become infected with it and show symptoms, men more times than not are just carriers for the disease...

[JustAskJulie]

I would say Yes... but I would add that exposure to other STDs is also probably inevitable.

[Chicup]

As someone who understands virology and has read the literature, I DO think once you have HPV you do eventually develop and immunity to it and are no longer contagious.

HPV is not like herpes which hides in the nerve cells. Thats why herpes never 100% goes away, it lies dormant in cells the immune system won't attack.

The problem with HPV is that not everyone develops warts and that early in the outbreak even if they will develop them they are not very noticeable.

[foozballnow]

I was wondering this same thing. It seemed inevitable. But like the others say, it is a reality one must come to grips with. But then again, if you do acquire it, will knowing it was inevitable make it any easier? Then what do you do...

[SW_PA_Couple]

Originally Posted by foozballnow

I was wondering this same thing. It seemed inevitable. But like the others say, it is a reality one must come to grips with. But then again, if you do acquire it, will knowing it was inevitable make it any easier? Then what do you do...

Hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.


~Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem, In Memoriam:27, 1850

[duo33470]

I would say Yes... but I would add that exposure to other STDs is also probably inevitable.

Is the risk we take each time we are with a new partner add to part of the excitement and addiction?

[The Fuse]

Originally Posted by duo33470

Is the risk we take each time we are with a new partner add to part of the excitement and addiction?

No, absolutely not. Unless you enjoy playing Russian roulette. But with HPV, I figure that sooner or later you get at least one form of it. Hopefully not the kind that causes warts. In any case, most cases are cleared out of the body naturally, without any intervention, within a couple of years.

When it comes to other STDs, it's a different story.