*HPV*
- HPV (written by Dr. Pluhar)
- HPV
HTHGS: HPV (written by Dr. Pluhar)
Ask Erika,
I'm 18 & I have never (technically) had sex with anyone. I
have had oral sex with one individual & I have used my hand to
stimulate the clitoris of one other individual.
I know my oral sex partner was clean, she has had several
checkups since then. I am not sure about the second partner, but STDs
aren't generally contracted through the hands.
My concern: I have small bumps at the base of my penis. The bumps have been there for a long time, but I can't remember how long. Naturally I'm concerned.
I have seen pictures of genital warts & they don't look like
what I've seen in pictures. They don't itch, they don't burn, they
don't hurt & they aren't rough or dry. *Is there anything that
would explain these symptoms, besides an STD?*
I have never been tested before, I don't really know how it's
done. (I figure it's probably a urine sample.) How much do STD tests
cost?
Please reply soon. This whole situation has become quite
depressing for me. My sex life could be over before it has even begun.
-Rick
Dear Rick,
Thank you for your question. You are right--your risk of
contracting an infection through manual stimulation of a woman's clitoris is very, very low b/c of the nature of the skin on the hands and the fact that you would then have to re-transfer the infection to
your penis. It is more likely that an infection will be transmitted through oral sex.
Regarding your concern about the bumps on your penis, it is
possible that those bumps may just be hair follicles. Sometimes hair
follicles on the penis appear as raised bumps just like you
describe--painless, smooth, etc. However, if you are concerned for any reason, which
it sounds like you are, I would recommend going to a clinician to
get them checked out. Look in the phone book where you live to find
the number for the county clinic or call Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN to get information about where to go in your area
for a check-up. You could also go to your family doctor or primary
care physician. How much it will cost depends on where you go and what
you have done. In your case, they will probably just examine the
bumps to see if they are HPV. They may offer you testing for other
infections as well.
To get more information, you can also call the National HPV
Hotline toll free at: (877) 478-5868.
Finally, remember, whatever the results are, no one's sex life
has to end b/c they have an infection. People continue to be sexual
beings and have sexual feelings even when they have an infection. These
are issues that you can discuss with your clinician, current and
future partners, and counselors (ask about this on the HPV hotline).
With communication, honesty, and a few adjustments and precautions, it
is certainly possible to continue sexual activity.
Good luck and thank you for your question.
Erika Pluhar
This tip was written by Dr. Pluhar
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