Posts by Samuel Morgan40

granitedriver15 said:So, look—I dealt with HPV for nearly two years. During those two years, ever since I first found out, I was constantly boosting my immune system and staying on top of every single checkup, from colposcopies to Pap smears. I ended up with CIN1, so my gynecologist recommended a minor procedure to clear out those changes. After all that, I went back and cleared everything—every possible test, from HPV to chlamydia to gonorrhea—everything came back negative. I can tell you, all the tests were clean! Especially the HPV after two full years! My doctor said, "Whoever waits, eventually gets their wish."😁 Honestly, you have no idea how lucky it feels!! And through that whole period, most importantly, I used condoms!!!! Because that’s really the only way to help prevent transferring those viral warts—or condylomas—deeper inside. In my case, they diagnosed me with an unspecified type, so... if that helps at all, there you go.

It was similar for me, though I handled the changes through cryotherapy and topical applications. Using condoms definitely helps manage things—well, specifically by not increasing the viral load.

granitedriver15 said:Hey, can I ask which HPV you had? Like, which specific type?

In San Diego, they don't do individual "typing"—not that classic typing, anyway—at least not for me; they just categorize them into groups. I was told I had high-risk, which was more than enough information for me to decide to get it treated.

I suppose I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum—as I get older, bras have become increasingly uncomfortable, so I try to wear one whenever the situation actually demands it. Summer is the absolute worst; people might judge me for it, but during those months, I tend to give bras a very wide berth, opting for clothing that allows me to "get away with" going braless (though I always make sure to wear one at the office). Once I finally get home from work, the bra is the first thing to be tossed aside 😂.
Since I’m hovering right on the edge of my 30s, I can say I’m quite satisfied with them—much like how Kimberly Flores56 described her experience 😍—except, unlike her, the bra and I aren't exactly on "speaking terms," so I mostly just force myself into them.

Now, whether this is actually healthy or to what extent it might matter... I honestly don't know. 🤷
It’s a good thought, though; I think I'll bring this up with my oncologist at my next checkup. 👍

HPV doesn't just hang around in your system forever—it isn't like the herpes virus (see my lengthy post above). It targets the mucosal lining rather than the "entire" body, which means it can lie dormant for quite some time while causing cellular changes, but if the viral load is low enough, the immune system might actually be able to clear it out. As for pregnancy, there's really no connection there; it doesn't cause complications, nor does it pose a risk of transmission to the baby.

There is a statistically tiny chance of passing the virus to a baby—specifically during childbirth—but that is an incredibly rare occurrence (I suspect it’s somewhere in the neighborhood of one percent). Even in those rare cases where a baby might be exposed to HPV, they will most likely clear it on their own without any symptoms or issues. Honestly, it’s much the same for us. 🙂

Technically speaking, you don't "cure" HPV itself; rather, you treat the changes it causes (which I've gone into quite a bit of detail about earlier). However, once those changes are removed—or if the virus hasn't even begun to cause damage yet—it is possible for the immune system to gradually eliminate the virus, provided the immunity is robust enough and the concentration is low enough for the body to do its job.

They aren't actually mucus—if we’re being precise—because what you're looking at is characterized by this white discharge, a sort of curdled "residue" that is intensely white (almost cottage cheese-like) and tends to come accompanied by symptoms like stinging and itching.

I honestly can't say enough good things about Šparac—he’s a truly fantastic gynecologist, and if I remember correctly, he’s actually specialized in fertility treatments. I think I heard that mentioned somewhere.
He performs quite a few surgical procedures, and from what I understand, he still travels over to Washington, D.C. quite often—though I couldn't tell you if that's once, twice, or three times a month. 🤷

And that’s precisely where the friction lies—gynecologists seem just as divided on this exact issue as you described in your opening post.
Personally, I tend to lean toward the doctors who take a slightly more rigorous approach to these matters, and—well—it has certainly paid off for me.

Perhaps I was being a bit hyperbolic calling your friend's gynecologist incompetent, but that’s likely just because I hold those standards quite high myself. 😉

I think you might be missing my point here. When I talk about being in a monogamous relationship, what I mean is this: regardless of whether a couple is strictly monogamous or if there’s been some wandering around—as long as you are being faithful to one another—you really ought to treat condoms as your best friend until those HPV and Pap test results come back completely clear. It’s important to remember that even if a Pap smear comes back clean, an HPV swab could simultaneously show a positive result—whether it’s high-risk or borderline. In those cases, you really have to wait for the immune system to clear it out, provided the body is actually capable of doing so, and that tends to be a rather lengthy process.

I honestly have no idea who started this rumor that HPV just stays in your system forever—as if it's hardwired into your DNA or something. That’s just not how it works. It targets the mucosal lining—specifically the genital area—and lives there, provided it finds "fertile" ground to settle in. But it isn't "stored" in the body in the way people think. It isn't like Herpes, which is fundamentally different because it actually embeds itself deep within the nervous system, lying dormant until things like stress or a weakened immune system trigger it to travel along the nerve pathways and resurface. HPV doesn't do that; it doesn't hide away in your nerve centers only to emerge later and cause issues on the cervix. At least, that's my take on it—and I say this after seeing more gynecologists than I care to admit, based purely on my own experience.

There have been a million words written about this in the official PDF dedicated to women's health—it’s repeated constantly there—and if I recall correctly, there is another massive, locked thread covering the exact same thing. Everything is explained in exhaustive detail by various medical professionals, and you can find plenty of other women on these forums sharing their own personal experiences as well. As for me, I simply followed the advice given by my current gynecologist—who, by the way, specializes specifically in HPV and treating lesions and even conducts seminars on the subject—as well as two other doctors I consulted. During the actual treatment phase, I make sure to use protection, though ideally, one should aim for abstinence (which is exactly what I have been doing, and for quite a long time now). After that, the plan is to wait until all follow-up exams come back clear—for both myself and my partner—which includes an HPV swab. Once we hit that milestone, then we can finally relax.🙂 The guy is being a bit of a jerk—honestly—but he did point out that this is easily one of the most frequent questions people ask after they’ve had lesions removed or just find out about an HPV diagnosis (whether it's currently dormant or actively causing issues). His whole argument is that he wants to give the best possible advice: it’s better to deal with the inconvenience of using condoms for a while than to risk everything coming back later—even though there's always that tiny, nagging percentage where it might not have cleared. I guess his logic is that it's simply better to be strict with the virus right from the start. To put it in perspective... 😬.

The whole idea behind using condoms isn't really about forcing HPV into some kind of permanent dormancy—because if that were the logic, you’d just be using them for the rest of your life. That doesn't make sense. Especially with high-risk strains, once they've already caused actual damage—like CIN, VIN, or VaIN (or PIN in men)—it's unlikely to just sit there quietly. It’s prone to progressing, particularly when you factor in poor lifestyle habits or those inevitable periods of intense stress—which, let's face it, is just common sense. I suppose the real point is that by using a condom, you're likely preventing the viral load from spiking, essentially keeping it at a minimum—to put it in very layman's terms. That way, your immune system actually has a fighting chance to clear it over time. Personally, I waited quite a while after my treatment—about a year, I think—before I saw two consecutive negative HPV tests. And my Pap smears have stayed perfectly clear as well, including my most recent fourth one. I made a conscious effort to follow the medical advice, and it paid off. Honestly, I just don't have the mental energy to constantly stress about whether I still have it or when I'll finally be rid of it—especially since it takes so long and you never know when it might flare up again. I'd lose my mind if I kept obsessing over it. Plus, I have no desire to constantly nag my partner about it; it's difficult enough proving presence in men since, as far as I know, there isn't even an adequate HPV test for them today.

Regarding the treatment of the virus itself—honestly, you can't really "cure" it. There isn't a magic pill to just wipe it out. What you *can* do, however, is treat or remove the actual cellular changes the virus has triggered in the cervix or vaginal walls. Since those specific areas hold the highest concentration of the virus, once those lesions are thoroughly and cleanly removed—which is what you're looking for during a colposcopy—you're left with a much lower viral load. At that point, the virus typically goes latent, and it’s really up to your immune system to take over from there. I suppose you have to put in the effort to support your health, but you shouldn't go overboard with anything extreme. 🙂

Look, maybe your friend's immune system—or her partner's, for that matter—is just strong enough to clear it out over time, who knows. 🤷 We're all different, and no two cases are identical. For some, it clears spontaneously, but if it has already triggered changes—especially if it's proven to be linked to HPV (particularly high-risk strains)—it might be better to handle it early with less invasive, more dignified methods, just to have peace of mind. Plenty of women have taken that route. The issue is that gynecologists are quite split on this. Some prefer to wait and watch, assuming CIN1 will resolve itself, though that really depends on the individual's body and what's going on down there. Others believe it’s better to nip it in the bud using milder treatments, like laser therapy or cryotherapy. Honestly, that approach helped me immensely, as it has for many others here. I did have to cycle through a few doctors first, though—finding a good OBGYN isn't easy (especially an affordable one) who actually uses modern techniques, doesn't skimp on referrals, and doesn't just drag things out from appointment to appointment. You want someone who takes concrete steps if something looks off, following a proper protocol: Pap -> swabs -> colposcopy -> potential biopsy and/or treatment + advice. 😉

I’m wishing your friend and you the best of luck, and I hope everything turns out fine without too much unnecessary stress. Sorry for the long post—I was just trying to explain that HPV isn't a lifelong sentence like, say, Herpes. It would also be technically incorrect to say, "I'm cured of HPV forever," but it's equally wrong to say, "I'll have HPV forever." Having a skilled doctor who understands the nuances, knowing a few basic "rules," and having the determination of both the patient and the doctor is a very solid path toward moving past this. 👍

Oh, and regarding pregnancy—HPV doesn't affect the fetus or the outcome of the pregnancy at all; it won't hurt the baby, so that shouldn't be a barrier. The only concern is if there is a high-grade CIN, where there's a slight worry about it progressing further during pregnancy or, heaven forbid, reaching CIS. But otherwise, everything is fine on that front. If having a baby is the priority and you're in that specific window of time to conceive, nobody is stopping you. If anything needs to be addressed regarding HPV afterward, there are always solutions. 😉

I've gone on a bit again... 😛

Look, nothing is ever 100% certain—that’s just how it goes—but the main issue here is that the test doesn't necessarily cover every single spot where an infection might be hiding.
Whether or not the relationship is monogamous isn't really the point; the real factor is that by using protection, you're keeping the viral load low enough that the immune system can eventually "win" (assuming, of course, that the immune system is actually up to the task). If someone gets careless, they’re basically gambling that their body will clear it on its own—which leads to that frustrating ping-pong effect, especially if the immune system isn't performing at its peak. I have my doubts about your friend's story, but if she's telling the truth, then her gynecologist was being, shall we say, somewhat negligent 👎. She probably should have sought a second opinion instead of just blindly following advice.😉

You’re doing the right thing by staying protected—keep it up until your follow-up swab comes back clean, or rather, until it proves there's no presence of the virus. 👍
How are things going with your partner?

Alright, I’ve noticed that nobody seems to be asking about this here—everyone just heads over to other threads—so I figured I’d break the ice myself, just so we have the information on the table. 😁

Where exactly can one go to pick up an emergency contraceptive pill, and what kind of documentation or requirements are involved?

Specifically, I'm wondering if there are any more stringent checks or protocols in place when it comes to minors.

And how does the administration work, and what is the actual mechanism of action? I ask because I feel like I've heard endless stories claiming these things are nothing more than massive hormonal bombs.

If you’re looking for gynecologist recommendations, there are already several threads open for that—it really just depends on which city you're in, though there is also that general discussion thread: Gynecologists 😉
Once they've finished your exam, the doctor will likely send you off for some blood work, and then—after those results come back—you'll probably be prescribed one of those birth control pills.

Since the original poster already started a discussion on this exact issue in the appropriate thread, I’m going to go ahead and lock this one down. 🙂

Sarah Mendoza70 said:Then you might just become the living proof that HPV can be transmitted without any sexual contact whatsoever—though I suppose we’ll have to see how that plays out.😕

Sure, it’s possible—it’s just statistically less likely, I suppose. That seems to be the part people consistently miss, which leads to all that guesswork regarding exactly when or from whom someone contracted an HPV strain. People love to point fingers and say, "Oh, I definitely got it from this person at this specific time." Honestly, unless you’ve spent your entire life being completely celibate with just one single partner since your first encounter, there's really no way to know for certain. It's all just speculation, really.😁Even then, you can't pin down the exact timing—it’s just impossible to be certain. I suppose that's why they say the same thing applies to those cases involving virgins, too.

Look, please don't go playing around with your hormones or taking medication without professional advice—especially not just to deal with something like college entrance exams. I’m sorry, really, but you just have to push through it; it isn't like this is your first rodeo.
It’s particularly risky if you start a cycle and then abruptly stop. Personally, because of my blood work, I can't touch birth control pills—at least not for a while—and you just shouldn't mess with that stuff. I mean, we've all seen those horror stories in the news about people who skipped the basic blood tests and hormone checks before starting.

@Linda Diaz3/">@@Linda Diaz3, you should definitely go see a gynecologist.

Sandra Sanchez60 said:I get the deal with HPV—it spreads through contact, maybe even at public pools or something similar. But what about gonorrhea? I’ve read that it’s transmitted sexually (vaginally, orally, or anally). That’s where I get confused. Doesn't "vaginal" imply penetration? If there isn't any... 😕 ?? I mean, I suspect you can still catch it that way... but then again... 🤷 🤷 🤷

Well, the whole idea that you pick up HPV at a swimming pool is an old myth that just isn't accurate. It spreads via skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, and since HPV targets mucous membranes, it can show up in the mouth (though that's less common, usually via oral sex) and most frequently in the internal and external genital areas. So, penetration isn't actually a requirement. Don't overthink it too much—certain things can be passed during foreplay (which is rarer, I suppose), but that applies primarily to HPV.

Regarding gonorrhea and other well-known infections—I’ll just reiterate what my gynecologists have told me, which seems to be the general medical consensus these days. We don't really see those "headline-grabbing" diseases as much anymore; instead, we're dealing with viruses like HPV and various bacteria or microorganisms that tend to be quite sneaky and often asymptomatic (HPV being the prime example). Nowadays, the most important thing is staying on top of regular checkups. Even a Pap smear won't necessarily tell you everything; you really need those four specific targeted gynecological swabs. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with you to be proactive and consistent with your screenings. Just look at this forum—you don't see much chatter about gonorrhea; the main topics are always HPV or various bacterial issues.

Sandra Sanchez60, everything about this is perfectly normal—and while you certainly could pick it up just by touching the genitals, I suppose the risk is marginally lower that way. But regardless, it’s still possible.

Sandra Sanchez60 said:I
I haven't actually had any sexual intercourse yet—but, I guess you could say I’m feeling a little apprehensive about what I’m getting myself into here.

I am genuinely curious about this... I could really use some help here. 😁

Of course it’s possible. Especially when you consider that HPV can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact in the genital area—something a condom simply doesn't account for. It has even been identified in individuals who haven't been sexually active. The same logic applies to bacteria, which can be picked up through other "channels"—and let's be realistic, humans—particularly women—aren't exactly sterile environments down there. There is always a certain balance—or perhaps an imbalance—of "good" versus "bad" bacteria present; some of it is just naturally part of our biological makeup.

Look, there isn’t really much philosophy to be found here—it’s pretty straightforward. Just use a condom and try to exercise some common sense. If you’re staying on top of regular checkups with your gynecologist, there’s honestly no reason to be spiraling into anxiety. We all know that engaging with a new partner—or, frankly, just being sexually active in general—carries an inherent level of risk. It’s just a reality of life. But if you actually take responsibility for yourself, your health, and your partner's well-being, then you’ll make sure those appointments happen and you'll use protection. It’s really that simple. 😉

🤦
Is there some kind of short-term alternative for just 20 days 😲???
It seems to me—though I could be wrong—that you’re clearly playing a rather dangerous game with your girlfriend's health and her hormones. These aren't exactly candy; you don't just pop them for 20 days and then take a break—not even in a fever dream, and certainly not just because you feel like it in the moment. I honestly have no idea where you got this idea 😕. Even before starting anything, absolutely a full blood panel needs to be done to prevent any potential complications or, frankly, things ending badly for her health.

There really is no such thing as "reliable" or "unreliable" pills, because a gynecologist prescribes specifically what they believe is best for your partner. Every woman is fundamentally different, and I doubt anyone here can confidently tell you "these are the best" or "those are the worst," since we all react to various brands differently and deal with unique side effects. One woman might find a specific brand perfect, another might struggle immensely with it, a third might have issues with a fourth, and so on. It's entirely individual.

This entire process should happen under the strict supervision of a gynecologist—and as for the excuse of "not having time" to see a doctor, I'm not even going to dignify that with a comment. Sorry if I'm being brutally honest here, but what you're doing is incredibly irresponsible, primarily regarding your girlfriend's well-being, just to cover a roughly 20-day period. These aren't sweets; these are hormones, and you simply shouldn't mess around with them or attempt short-term usage without medical guidance. You have condoms and toys, and when it comes to sex, she really ought to be seeing a doctor anyway.

By the way, if you had looked at the first page, you would have noticed at least three or four other threads regarding various types of pills, including the general one: Hormonal Contraception - Pills. There really isn't a need to open yet another identical topic.

Alright, let me weigh in here so we can finally wrap this discussion up once and for all:

Medical professionals actually have a specific term for painful periods—it's called dysmenorrhea. Now, there’s primary dysmenorrhea, which some might call essential, and then there’s secondary dysmenorrhea. To put it simply—and I guess "simply" is relative—primary (essential) dysmenorrhea basically means everything is functioning exactly as it should, yet the cramps are still very much present. In these cases, medical screenings don't turn up any abnormalities, elevated levels, or inflammatory issues; it's just how things work for most women.

Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, implies that there actually *is* an underlying pathological process occurring in the pelvic region. Depending on what the root cause turns out to be, the goal is either to fix the issue entirely or, at the very least, manage the pain. This affects a smaller percentage of women.

Then, of course, there's that lucky group who experience no pain at all—either throughout their entire lives or during certain phases of them.

rustybison87: I suppose if one were to actually sit down and analyze the sheer, unmitigated chaos of the current situation—and I use the word "chaos" quite loosely, as that implies some semblance of order—one might find themselves feeling somewhat overwhelmed. It’s all rather much, isn't it? I mean, I don't want to sound like I'm complaining—heaven knows I've been accused of that far too often—but there is a certain... shall we say, *lack of direction* currently permeating the discourse. It feels as though we are all just wandering through a fog without so much as a flashlight, let alone a map. Perhaps it's just my own cynical disposition getting the better of me, or maybe—and this is just a thought, mind you—we are simply witnessing the inevitable fallout of decisions made by people who perhaps should have spent a bit more time thinking before they acted. One can only hope that clarity arrives before the exhaustion sets in completely. Or, at least, before I run out of coffee. kaže:
As if. Not a chance.
Let’s get one thing straight—and I do mean this with absolute certainty—menstrual cramps are not some "normal" part of life that we should all just shrug off and accept. I know, I know; there’s always going to be someone—probably a doctor who hasn't listened to a patient in decades or perhaps just a particularly dismissive relative—who will tell you that being sidelined by debilitating pain is simply part of the biological package. But honestly? I think that’s a lazy way to look at it. It feels like we've collectively decided to normalize suffering under the guise of "biology," which—if we're being honest—seems a bit convenient for a society that prefers to ignore systemic issues. If an employee walked into an office in downtown Chicago and had to sit on the floor because their midsection felt like it was being gripped by a vice, no one would call that "normal." They’d call it a medical issue. So, I guess my point is that just because a phenomenon is common doesn't automatically make it acceptable or healthy. We really ought to be doing more to investigate why this happens so frequently, rather than just handing out ibuprofen and telling everyone to deal with it. Maybe, just maybe, there's a better way to handle this.

rustybison87, please—spare me this. First off, it’s common knowledge that you don’t need some underlying illness, an infection, or some grand medical mystery to experience muscle cramping—those pains that feel somewhat like labor pains—during your period. Your theory just doesn't hold water when you look at what actual experts say. I have no idea who convinced you of this, but I’m not going to sit here and let you persistently insist that this isn't a normal occurrence. There are plenty of substances and various other things people use to relax those muscles during cramps, but claiming that experiencing them isn't a standard phenomenon is frankly absurd. Some women don't deal with pain at all—my mother, for instance—while others (and arguably most) do, and that doesn't mean anything is "abnormal." It's just how it is. On the flip side, there are women who suffer from incredibly intense pain where the cause is actually well-documented. So, if you're so sure, why don't you back it up? Provide me with some actual medical evidence regarding these specific inflammations, bacteria, or structural abnormalities you're implying cause menstrual pain. Personally, I know my own medical history inside and out; I’ve seen all my test results, and I’m genuinely curious to hear your explanation for why my first day is always so rough.

rustybison87: I suppose if one were to actually sit down and analyze the sheer, unmitigated chaos of the current situation—and I mean truly dissect it, rather than just glancing at the headlines like most people do—one might find a certain... predictable absurdity in it all. It’s almost funny, in a deeply cynical sort of way. I guess you could say we’ve reached that peculiar stage where the unexpected has become the baseline, which—if we’re being honest—is a bit exhausting, isn't it? Not that I'm making any grand proclamations, mind you; I'm just observing the patterns as they unfold. Perhaps it's just my own particular brand of pessimism, or maybe I'm just seeing what everyone else is too busy to notice—but then again, maybe I'm just overthinking things. As usual. kaže:
I suppose we’ve reached that stage of the internet where medical nuance goes to die—specifically regarding this persistent, rather reductive notion that if a woman isn't experiencing debilitating pain, she somehow isn't "actually" fertile? It’s a curious bit of logic, I guess—though I suspect it’s more flawed than most. To be perfectly clear—and I hate to be the one to burst these little bubbles of misinformation—pain and fertility are two entirely different biological tracks. They aren't even on the same map, really. You can certainly have conditions like endometriosis that cause significant agony while simultaneously impacting reproductive health, but that doesn't mean they are inextricably linked in every single case. Conversely, there are plenty of women who navigate their cycles with zero physical discomfort whatsoever, yet still face challenges with conception due to hormonal imbalances, ovulation issues, or other factors that don't involve a single cramp or ache. It feels like a bit of a logical leap—almost a fallacy—to suggest that suffering is a prerequisite for fertility struggles. One isn't a diagnostic marker for the other. Maybe some people find comfort in finding a reason for their struggles, but implying that a lack of pain equals perfect fertility is just... well, it's medically unsound. We should probably leave the clinical correlations to the actual specialists, don't you think?

I suppose I’ll have to agree with you on this one—mostly because claiming that painful periods are an indicator of fertility or ovulation is just as wildly inaccurate and frankly absurd as any other medical myth floating around. 😉