[Question #6275] HPV conflicting info
15 months ago
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15 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
15 months ago
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Welcome back to our Forum although I'm sorry that you found the need. I read your earlier interaction with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said. Much of what you have written above repeats much of what you have already asked Dr. Handsfield and like Dr. Handsfield, I am confident that receipt of masturbation for brief period does not represent a meaningful risk for HPV or any other STI. My sincere advice is to forget about your misstep and move forward. The second part of my advice however is to stay off of the internet. Anyone who is anxious will find statements there which will unnecessarily fuel their concerns and anxiety. Much of what is there is taken out of contest, out of date or incorrect. Please realize that even articles published in some of the less widely circulated medical journals, where in some instances, authors actually pay to have their research published may be incorrect.
The estimate that receipt of brief masturbation carries a 40% risk for HPV infection is not believable. Like Dr. Handsfield, in my own STI-focused practice for the past nearly 40 year, taking care of thousands of patients and reading medical journals on STI related topics, I have never seen a case of HPV acquired in the manner you are worried about.
My sincere advice, as is Dr. Handsfield's is to stop worrying, stay off the internet and put your concerns behind you. You are not at risk for HPV from the exposure you described. EWH
15 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
15 months ago
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Current data suggests that the majority of lesbian women or their partners have had sex with men as well as women at some time in the past. Then you factor in the variety of different sexual practices that women with other women as sex partners, as well as any other couple might have and it is not difficult to understand that women whom currently have only other women as sex partners might have HPV. This is well understood.
I urge you to address your overwhelming anxiety (perhaps driven by guilt and shame) and move forward. If you cannot do that on your own, there is widely available, confidential professional counseling available through any number of mental health facilities. EWH
15 months ago
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15 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
15 months ago
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Yes, there is certainly no reason related to the encounter you have described to us to abstain from unprotected sex with your wife.
As you know, this this 3rd response this thread is now complete and will be closed shortly without further responses. Should you return with additional repetitive or anxiety-driven questions, your question may be deleted without a response and without return of your posting fee. Take care. Please don't worry. EWH
15 months ago
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