HSV or HPV...WTF??

There is a discrepancy between the viruses in the way they interact with the body.  We know that, once in, HSV stays in the body forever and causes outbreaks, the frequency of which varies from person to person.  HPV, however, is a bit more enigmatic.  Doctors and researchers seem divided on whether it is like herpes and will always stay in the body, or if it eventually goes away.  Many believe that the body’s immune system suppresses it to the point that one can no longer spread it, or even carries it.  As science develops, we may understand more about the nature of the over 100 strains of HPV, only a few of which actually cause warts, and a few of which cause cancer of the cervix or throat.

There is one thing, though, that genital herpes and warts do have in common, and that is how they are transmitted.  Both herpes and HPV are STDs that can be spread without showing signs of infection, and (here’s the kicker) they can both be potentially spread while using a condom.  These viruses can affect a wide area of the genitals, and therefore any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area is a risk of transmission.  They can also affect someone without ever letting their host know; that is probably why they are so common (it is estimated that one-half of the sexually active young adult population has at least one of the two).        

So when in doubt, remember these differences and similarities so you can have a better understanding of how to take care of yourself.  The earlier you discover an ailment, the easier it is to treat.  And if you get one, or both (like me), of these diseases, don’t fret.  You probably know a handful of people who have them too.