WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for August, 1999: Re: HPV news on MSNBC

Re: HPV news on MSNBC

From: Patti Tessler, FNP (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat, 28 Aug 1999 16:00:46 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Beth: "HPV news on MSNBC"

At Wed, 25 Aug 1999, Beth wrote: >
>Today on the MSNBC news, a doctor was saying that they have found that
>HPV is present in 100% of women who have cervical cancer. She said this
>was an important finding. Also said that HPV IS sexually transmitted
>(leaving no room for other means of transmission allowed for in this
>forum). Another thing she added was that the HPV virus could lay
>dormant for up to 10 years.
>
>I had written last year when I discovered I had this. Also, wrote that
>neither my husband nor myself had been unfaithful in our 27 years of
>marriage. Ten years ago, if the virus may stay latent for that amount
>of time, does not put me or my husband in any other relationship, which
>could have transmitted the virus to me.
>
>The whole report was upsetting to me, dredging up old feelings I
>originally had when I was diagnosed with precancerous cells and the HPV
>causing it. I was content to push it to the back of my mind and think
>there may have been another means of transmission, which is what I got
>from this forum. However, this doctor has put the issue in the
>forefront of my mind, saying it is only transmitted sexually. I am
>confused and upset.
>
>Any comments?

I can understand that you'd be upset by this news report. I would love to know the name of the person interviewed and the study that she was reporting so I could follow-up on that information.

I would like to refer to you two spots for more information. Try searching through the archives of the health professionas section forum on this website for the thread labeled "Nuns, spinsters and virgins" for another, quite different point of view on sexuality and cervical cancer. Also, I highly recommend the information available through the American Social Health Association. In particular, check out http://www.ashastd.org/hpv/hpvmyth.html. It points out that reliable information on HPV is hard to come by, that the virus may be latent for a lifetime, and that assumptions about infidelity need not result from an HPV diagnosis. The "ten year" number cited may have been an example, but certainly should not have been given as an outside limit on latency. You might also consider calling AHSA's hotline (Mon through Fri) at 800 227 8922. They may have more information on the identity and message of the interviewee. Hope this information helps a bit.

--
Patti Tessler, BSN, MSN, RN, CS
Family Nurse Practitioner

Next message: Emily: "Uterine fibroids"
Previous message: Patti Tessler, FNP: "Re: how would I know if I had a hernia?"
In reply to: Beth: "HPV news on MSNBC"

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