HPV in the news

[chiver78]

I just heard this too - NBC Nightly News for my tidbit. apparently, there is a link to heart disease, too. I wonder if the Framingham Heart Study will add this to their list of things to investigate. they have done wonders in research for many other ailments, anyway.

[weltschmerz]

This isn't new news, it's old news. We've known for quite some time that HPV not only causes throat cancer in men, but anal and penile cancers as well. That's why next spring we'll be innoculating boys as well as girls with the HPV vaccine.

[weltschmerz]

HPV, a family of viruses, is the principal cause of cervical cancer and genital warts.

The vaccine, first approved in 2006, has been touted as an effective way to prevent cervical cancer and that’s why there has been a focus on immunizing girls.

But in a new position statement, published on Tuesday, the FMWC argues that boys and men play an important role in the transmission of HPV and that they also suffer from a significant number of HPV-related cancers.

In addition to female gynecological cancers such as cancer of the cervix and vulva, HPV is the main cause of penile and anal cancer, and it is the principal cause of throat cancers in women and men alike.

All told, the annual incidence of cancers related to HPV is 14 per 100,000 population in women and seven per 100,000 population in men, according to the FMWC analysis.

In addition, HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in both females and males.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/boys-as-well-as-girls-need-hpv-vaccine-medical-group-says/article1810839/

It was approved for boys in February of 2010

[tractor]

I have had my son vaccinated (he is 14). Its a three shot series, and he has had the first two so far. I will do the same for my other son when he get's to high school. My wife was infected with the HPV virus while in college. Fortunantly I have never had symptoms after being with her for almost 20 years, but I don't want my boys to take any chances.

[JustLurkin]

Oct 25, 2011 8:28:35 GMT -5 tractor said:

I have had my son vaccinated (he is 14). Its a three shot series, and he has had the first two so far. I will do the same for my other son when he get's to high school. My wife was infected with the HPV virus while in college. Fortunantly I have never had symptoms after being with her for almost 20 years, but I don't want my boys to take any chances.

[tractor]

Thank you for the Karma. I do have to admit however I do worry about throat and/or tongue cancer. I used to enjoy the activities that could cause it, but I am very reluctant to do that anymore (at least as often as I used to). I think it would be hard to explain how someone who doesn't smoke ended up with throat cancer. There was an article about this very thing in the paper a couple of months ago. Nothing like taking a small joy out of someones life....

[mizbear]

tractor- You can have your doctor check you for oral cancers the same way they check smokers and tobacco users. I would talk to your doctor(s) before giving up to much fun with the wife.

I was infected with HPV as a child when I was abused. I encourage anyone to get the shot and I encourage anyone to talk to their doctor about it. The shot probably would not have protected me- but under normal circumstances- it would protect many people who have this virus.

[thatchica]

I think all teens should get the vaccine. The percentage of people that have it is huge. If there is something that could possibly prevent it, then I think by all means.

I got it 7 years ago. In most cases it does go away all on its own. I have tested clear for the last 4 years. I had 16 and 18, ones that lead to cervical cancer.

With the percentage of people that have it (more than 80% in US and higher in other countries), I think it should be on the required vaccine list. It could wipe out cervical cancer in future generations.

[weltschmerz]

I got it 7 years ago. In most cases it does go away all on its own.
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The HPV virus NEVER goes away.

[mizbear]

Correct weltschmerz.

It is a virus. Just like once you have had mono, chicken pox, etc.... scarletina....

You know, starting to go down that list- maybe I should donate my body to science eventually and find out why in the HELL I catch everything.....

[weltschmerz]

The overt infection itself can go away, but the virus can be supressed to a low, undetectable level. It remains in the body, often to flare up years later.

[weltschmerz]

Correct weltschmerz.
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Please, call me welts. It's much easier.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

It is a virus. Just like once you have had mono, chicken pox, etc.... scarletina....

Scarletina (or fever) is caused by a bacteria, not a virus, caused by Streptococcus pyrogenes.

I was one sick kid when I caught it.

[tractor]

Oct 26, 2011 19:20:20 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

I got it 7 years ago. In most cases it does go away all on its own.
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The HPV virus NEVER goes away.

This is the reason I was for vaccinating my boys. I hope they can avoid spreading it in the future. Hopefully some day they will understand, but for now I just told them it was something I wanted them to do.


OK, stupid question, do you think it could have been passed on during child birth?

[weltschmerz]

OK, stupid question, do you think it could have been passed on during child birth?
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From what I understand, HPV can be passed on during childbirth, especially the strains 6 and 11. However, the occurence seems to be rare.

[tractor]

How many strains are there, and how do you know what strain you have?

[Deleted]

I've been asking the question...WHY are young boys not imunized along with the girls? It makes no sense.

[weltschmerz]

How many strains are there, and how do you know what strain you have?
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Over 100, and it would be unnecessary to test for all of them, not to mention the expense. They usually only test for the most dangerous ones, which are 6, 11, 16, 18, and now 39.

[weltschmerz]

I've been asking the question...WHY are young boys not imunized along with the girls? It makes no sense.
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Because girls get cervical cancer from HPV. Additional research has shown that boys can also get penile, throat and anal cancer, but it's not as common as cervical cancer.
I'm sure that the outrageous cost of the HPV vaccine factored into the decision, but you can get your sons innoculated at the pediatrician's office. I hear they will be offering it in the schools next year for both genders.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

I plan on getting DD vaccinated as soon as she is eligable. DH gave it to me and while I have been lucky to not get cancer, having to monitor flare ups has been a real PITA.

I'll do anything so she can avoid my situation.

[weltschmerz]

I plan on getting DD vaccinated as soon as she is eligable.
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Excellent!
The age of medical consent here is 14. I can't tell you how many times I have had parents refuse to sign the school consent form, for fear it will make their child promiscuous. The young ladies come up to me and say "Miss? My parents don't want me to have it...they think I'm a virgin. I need the shot, because I'm sexually active and I want to protect myself". Good for them! If they're 14, I give them the shot and proof of vaccination. What they do with that piece of paper when they walk out of the office is none of my business!

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

I think I can consent for her to have it as low as nine around here, but I'd have to ask the pediatrican. Not high on my priority list right now, she's only 15 months.

I don't understand all the hysteria about the age to get kids vaccinated. To DH and I it seems obvious to do it sooner rather than later so it's hopefully BEFORE they are sexually active.

[JustLurkin]

Oct 27, 2011 15:00:18 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

I've been asking the question...WHY are young boys not imunized along with the girls? It makes no sense.

The theory is if all girls get it, there will be no need for the boys to get it. (After all, who would they get it from?) Now that the cancers in boys are on the rise--or the reasons for the cancers are being acknowledged--the theory is changing.

[weltschmerz]

there will be no need for the boys to get it. (After all, who would they get it from?)
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That theory didn't make a lick of sense. After all, it would only take one bisexual boy to send it roaring through the gay community.
Furthermore, it would be dependent on every single girl getting the vaccine, and that never happens.

[JustLurkin]

Nov 3, 2011 22:11:54 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

there will be no need for the boys to get it. (After all, who would they get it from?)
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That theory didn't make a lick of sense. After all, it would only take one bisexual boy to send it roaring through the gay community.
Furthermore, it would be dependent on every single girl getting the vaccine, and that never happens.

I know, my gyn explained the "theory" when I asked if my son needed the shot. She was visibly upset during the discussion cause the theory is so dumb.

ETA: And she said if his doctor wouldn't give him the shot, she'd be happy to.