Hi Anon - First, thanks for coming to the site and seeking information. Our concern is your health, and getting you the information you need to stay well. There's no judgments, just genuine support for others.
Christina has done a fantastic job of providing information. (Thanks Christina and I hope you're doing well!) I want to clarify that HPV can be spread through oral sex. In terms of kissing, it's rare, but if the circumstances are right, such as the virus being expressed through a cold sore or other type of oral injury, it can be passed on. Again, this is rare, and it's not as much of a concern as the need for precautions during oral-genital sex. If you are with a partner that may have HPV you need to take precautions. Here's what Planned Parenthood recommends:
If you choose to have vaginal or anal intercourse, use condoms every time. They can reduce the risk of HPV. They are not as effective against HPV as they are against other infections such as chlamydia and HIV. But they greatly reduce the risk of HPV infection. You can use condoms, Sheer Glyde dams, dental dams, or plastic wrap during oral sex to further reduce the risk.
To answer you last question, yes you can have more than one type of HPV at a time, there are more than 100 types of HPV. Planned Parenthood has some helpful, consumer friendly information on HPV which you can find at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv-4272.htm
Finally, anon, HPV infections are very common. The good news is that you are getting the medical care you need and you have the information and resources to take care of your health. I hope this information has helped and feel free to come back if you have more questions.
Take care, Pat
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Hi Anon - First, thanks for coming to the site and seeking information. Our concern is your health, and getting you the information you need to stay well. There's no judgments, just genuine support for others.
Christina has done a fantastic job of providing information. (Thanks Christina and I hope you're doing well!) I want to clarify that HPV can be spread through oral sex. In terms of kissing, it's rare, but if the circumstances are right, such as the virus being expressed through a cold sore or other type of oral injury, it can be passed on. Again, this is rare, and it's not as much of a concern as the need for precautions during oral-genital sex. If you are with a partner that may have HPV you need to take precautions. Here's what Planned Parenthood recommends:
If you choose to have vaginal or anal intercourse, use condoms every time. They can reduce the risk of HPV. They are not as effective against HPV as they are against other infections such as chlamydia and HIV. But they greatly reduce the risk of HPV infection. You can use condoms, Sheer Glyde dams, dental dams, or plastic wrap during oral sex to further reduce the risk.
To answer you last question, yes you can have more than one type of HPV at a time, there are more than 100 types of HPV. Planned Parenthood has some helpful, consumer friendly information on HPV which you can find at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv-4272.htm
Finally, anon, HPV infections are very common. The good news is that you are getting the medical care you need and you have the information and resources to take care of your health. I hope this information has helped and feel free to come back if you have more questions.
June 9, 2010 - 5:23pmTake care, Pat
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