Work It Out: Health
HPV:
what you don’t Know
Photo by Jerry Winterstein Nooma Photography
Many people are aware of the common STD’s out there. We hear and learn a lot about ones such as Herpes, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, HIV, and AIDS. What is surprising is that not many people know or have even heard of one of the largest STD’s that is spreading like wild fire, HPV. HPV, the Human Papillomavirus, is contracted through intercourse and can cause cancers in vulva, cervix, uterus, vagina, and anus in women as well as cancer in the anus and penis for men.
More and more are getting infected with it everyday and what’s worse is many are not even aware they have it, let alone spreading it. There are over a hundred different types of HPV and some can even cause genital warts. Women are most affected by this virus. Being infected with HPV is the main cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer.
This was going to be a simple article that explained the disease, cause, and preventative measures, but after talking to an array of people I realized simple facts are not what people need to know. I’m not sure many people realize the lethal consequences this very common STD can have on ones life. For the few who have never heard of this disease I will give you a quick catch up.
HPV, the Human Papillomavirus, is contracted through intercourse and can cause cancers in vulva, cervix, uterus, vagina, and anus in women as well as cancer in the penis and anus for men. There are over a hundred different types of HPV and some can cause genital warts. There are approximately 20 million Americans who are currently infected with HPV according to the CDC. Women are most affected by HPV. HPV is the main cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer. Most women and men don’t know they’re carrying it, since the virus does not develop symptoms or health problems, in most cases.
My first draft of this article had me going on about how women find out that they have HPV through getting an irregular pap; while most men never find out they even have it. If a woman is diagnosed with HPV, in most cases, it’s simply monitored by checking on it when you get your annual pap smear done, and usually clears on its own. In some cases however, your body doesn’t fight it, and it can turn into dysplasia or cervical cancer. The next steps may include; colposcopy, biopsy, multiple LEEP procedures, Cone biopsies, cryosurgery, a hysterectomy, or even death.
In talking to some young adults; no one had any concerns about contracting or giving this STD. The most common response was, “Well, I know it’s an STD, but it doesn’t really do anything to you.” I was appalled. In most cases it does clear, but there are so many women who have had to go through some, and sometimes many, painful procedures to stop this disease. Do you want children someday? Well, you can’t have any if your cervix is too thin from procedures or you’ve had a hysterectomy. Do you value your life? Every time you sleep with a new partner, you risk getting a new, say it with me, new, strand of the virus which makes you more vulnerable to worse consequences and other diseases.
Don’t think because some guy or girl tells you it’s not a big deal, that its not. HPV will change your whole life. Whether it takes your ability or someone else’s to have children away, or takes your life, it will change it. Some things not even safe sex can prevent. So get checked and make good decisions that could save yourself from ruining your life or someone else’s.
If you’re not sure of one or more of the things I have mentioned above, look it up! For more information; talk to your doctor, go to a local clinic, or check out websites like these. www.cdc.gov, www.about.com:cervical cancer, www.hpvtreatmentassociation.org, www.thehpvtest.com.
Get Checked
So one day, about a week after your first one-night stand, you wake up with an itch in your pants. Concerned, you take a trip to the doctor’s office, and find out you’ve contracted an STD because you were too wasted to slip on your rubber or tell someone to slip one on. You may be well versed in STD factoids, but a refresher course never hurt anybody.
The most common STD’s contracted by young adults ages 18-30 are more than likely the ones you’ve heard about since you were in high school. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of the 19 million people infected with an STD are young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.
Among the pests interfering with our sexual freedom are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, and Hepatitis B & C. (Not to mention all the other little things you can contract during your one night adventure like HPV.) The CDC reports that “at least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.”
A lot of people ask themselves when they should get tested, which is really a stupid question if you think about it. If you’re not getting tested on a regular basis and have been sexually active, get tested now so you know what you have or don’t have. This way you don’t infect the rest of the world.
“I am one who goes to the doctors and gets tested on a regular basis. Recently I felt a burning sensation when I went to the bathroom and noticed something was not right. So I went to get it checked out and come to find out, I had the clap. I was furious and couldn’t believe it when the doctor told me. Luckily, I was able to get it treated and taken care of.” -25 year old male.
“Getting tested is important in order to protect not only my own health, but my partner’s health.” -23 year old female
As far as the signs and symptoms, you should really get checked out by your doctor or at the very least search online at CDC or other reliable sites. The symptoms usually include sores, blisters, painful urination, unusual discharge, itching, swelling, genital pain or bleeding, and sometimes fever and chills. You’ve heard it all. The problem with all of these is that they are identical to most symptoms for the majority of illnesses. So if you have any of these symptoms, don’t freak out. Get checked out.
As frightening as these may be, most STDs can be easily treated. If caught in the early stages, a doctor can provide you with some form of treatment. This, in turn, will decrease your chances of the STD causing serious damage to your love tools.
Bringing protection with you on your late night outings and long distance travels is always a good idea. Yes, it is really basic, but there is no other basic solution to protecting yourself from STD’s. While there is no method of prevention that is 100% effective, condoms are still one of the most effective ways you can reduce your risk of contracting an STD.
So if you’re not willing to give up sex all together, use a condom, get tested, and accept the possible consequences of the risks you take.
/ By Matt Barnes
Get a Grip on Testicular Cancer
Guys, here is one health issue that really affects us in large numbers. Testicular Cancer, also known as TC, has been found to be most common in young males 20 to 34 years of age.
According to TC-cancer.com, “it is the number one cancer killer among young men in their 20’s and 30’s.” In 2009 it is projected that 8,980 young men will be diagnosed with TC and over 360 will die from it. This information comes from the “Get a Grip!” a campaign designed to make people aware of TC, to educate and recognize warning signs.
> (this could go on the side in a box or something) Cancer Facts from TC-cancer.com
0 Most testicular cancers are self-discovered by patients as a painless or uncomfortable lump in the testicle. About 1-3% of testicular neoplasms (a tumor) are bilateral (relating to the right and left sides of the body).
0 The cancer risk for boys with a history of undescended testicles is about 10-40 times higher than normal individuals. The risk of developing the disease was estimated at 1 out of 20 for a testis retained in the abdomen and 1 out of 80 if it was within the inguinal canal. The risk remains elevated after surgical correction. Both testis are at higher risk, not just the undescended one.
0 If found early, testicular cancer is almost always curable.
0 Early stage testicular cancer can be treated with surgery and radiation therapy. Late stage testicular cancer can be treated with the combination of surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.
0 The prognosis for men with testicular cancer is very good, even with late stage disease. The chances of recovery are excellent with surgery and radiotherapy for early stage disease. Combined modality (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, or electrotherapy, which involves the physical treatment of a disorder) is used for treatment of late stage disease with good results.
0 More than 90% of testicular cancer patients are cured by their initial treatment, and many of those who have recurrent disease can also be cured with chemotherapy or radiation.
The National Cancer Institute defines TC as a “Cancer that forms in tissues of the testis (one of two egg-shaped glands inside the scrotum that make sperm and male hormones). Testicular cancer usually occurs in young or middle-aged men. Two main types of testicular cancer are seminomas (cancers that grow slowly and are sensitive to radiation therapy) and nonseminomas (different cell types that grow more quickly than seminomas).”
The good news is that TC can be detected and treated. It is important to see your doctor on a regular basis and if you have any symptoms (see below) or any concerns, see your physician. Below is a list of symptoms found at TC-cancer.com and it is suggested that if any of these last more than 10 days you should see your doctor immediately.
Symptoms:
0 A lump or mass in either testicle
0 Any enlargement or swelling of a testicle
0 A collection of fluid in the scrotum
0 A dull ache in the lower abdomen, back, or in the groin
0 A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
0 Discomfort or pain in a testicle or in the scrotum
0 Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
To form your own self exam visit www.tc-cancer.com/about/self-exam you can also check out mixitupmagazine.com and click the links, where you will find a link to the TC-cancer site.
April is Testicular Cancer awareness month. “Get a Grip!” has arranged for the first week of the month to be dedicated specifically to educating people about TC.
> Maybe off to the side??
Apr 1 - What is it?
Apr 2 – Symptoms
Apr 3 - What the doctor looks for?
Apr 4 – Prevention
Apr5 – Treatment
Apr 6 – Prognosis
Apr 7 - A monthly reminder, self-exam and other resources. Sign-up at menstuff-testicular-exam-subscribe@topica.com today! Don't wait to develop a habit of monthly self-exams. Let this free service help you.
Guys, don’t let yourself become another number. Beat the odds by conducting a self test at home, paying attention to your body, and seeking medical attention.