If you had to pick one virus....

Kickback · 02-27-2007, 07:49 PM

Would you rather have HIV (AIDS)?

Or would you rather have HPV (STD that causes cervical cancer)?

For guys, the answer is obvious - we'd choose HPV because it's not fatal to us, though they are still in the process of seeing if it's one of those types of cancers that can bring about other types of cancers.

So there's your dilemma.

Would you rather have a disease that destroys your immune system so that the common cold will kill you? Or would you rather have a disease that you will give to your loved one (presuming male/female) that will render her unable to have children and eventually cause her to die from it?

Why do I ask this?

Because 50% of all women between the ages of 20 and 24 in the United States of America have HPV and don't even realize it. That means if you have had multiple sexual partners, without protection and you're a guy (that includes me), then you've probably got HPV and have given it out in return.

Now, HPV is not a definite sure-fire bet everytime. Some people do have a natural immunity to it. And sometimes the virus just never manifests itself until late, late in life. But it's there. SO there, in fact, that it'll probably end up being the leading cause of death in women within 30 years.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17364887/

onesock · 02-27-2007, 07:51 PM

Well there's an HPV vaccine, but stupid people don't want it brought out because their daughters may become, "Sexually active". Big deal. They'll do it anyways.

Just my 2 cents.

Fairy Princess · 02-27-2007, 07:52 PM

Neither, just douche her with Chlorine Bleach before stickin' it in.

Jux · 02-27-2007, 07:54 PM

One is terminal and one isn't.

Smart choices prevent either.

honestgabe · 02-27-2007, 07:54 PM

isn't it like 80% of women carry HPV by the time they're 40 anyway? Its not that bad of a virus

butz · 02-27-2007, 07:54 PM

Well, if for some reason I absolutely had to have one or the other, I'm pretty sure I'd rather take my chances with the HPV.

Jux · 02-27-2007, 08:00 PM

Bonus points for the subtle multiple sexual partner reference on Kick's part, btw.

Scantron · 02-27-2007, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kickback

Now, HPV is not a definite sure-fire bet everytime. Some people do have a natural immunity to it. And sometimes the virus just never manifests itself until late, late in life. But it's there. SO there, in fact, that it'll probably end up being the leading cause of death in women within 30 years.

I think it's worth emphasizing this point, though, also from the article cited...

Quote:

There are dozens of strains of HPV. Low-risk forms can cause genital warts and non-cancerous changes in cells in the cervix, and often clear without treatment. Several high-risk forms have been linked with cervical cancer.

It's not like everyone who gets this virus gets a strain that will kill them. And, borrowing from wikipedia (so take with a grain of salt)...

Quote:

Genital or anal warts (condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are the most easily recognized sign of genital HPV infection. Although a wide variety of HPV types can cause genital warts, types 6 and 11 account for about 90% of all cases (Greer 1995)(Gearheart et al, 2004). Most people who acquire genital wart-associated HPV types clear the infection rapidly without ever developing warts or any other symptoms. People may transmit the virus to others even if they don't display overt symptoms of infection.

HPV types that tend to cause genital warts are not the same ones that cause cervical cancer.

Kickback · 02-27-2007, 08:03 PM

My ex's mother has it. So hearing the report tonight made it hit home.

Ktulu · 02-27-2007, 08:15 PM

Sometimes being a virgin isn't so bad after all

STDs