I want to get the hairs off my legs removed, but I read on this link: http://www.thelaserclinic.ca/services_laser.html#8 that if you have HPV that you have to go consult with your Doctor first (If you have a history of herpes it is recommended you contact your physican and begin a course of profilactic anti-viral therapy.) First question is: Why do they ask this? And the other question is, I'm not sure if HPV is for life or what? The Doctor told me I had this when I was in my early 20's now I'm in my 30's, and told me to get a physical twice a year to make sure I don't get cervical cancer.....Does this mean I will always have HPV? Is it dormant? Is always there? Or it might come back? :confused:
Wed, 10/10/2007 - 17:08
#1
HPV and Lazer hair removal.
There are about 100 strains of HPV. Some are associated with warts; some genital herpes; some coldsores; chicken pox; shingles; you get the picture. There are lots of them and we do not even know what some of them do to the body.
There are four specific HP virus that are statistically associated with cervical cancer. Evidently, an early PAP smear showed HPV or "abnormal cervical cells." Well over half the adult population carries HPV. The new vaccine against the four strains associated with cervical cancer will not even be given to a sexually active woman over 16 because it would be useless. We assume any non-virgin woman has been exposed.
During our twenties, the immune system is quite strong and HPV will usually be kept in check or even eliminated. As we age we lose the ability to fight this stuff off and so cervical cancer may develop. Once you are diagnosed with the HPV on your cervix, it is assumed that it will be with you forever. It may or may not cause cervical cancer but we know most cervical cancers are associated with these four strains of HPV. Only a regular PAP smear can tell whether or not you are still infected.
The site you looked at is likely being on the very conservative safe-side. What specific HPV they are concerned with, I do not know. It is more likely that they are concerned with those strains that cause genital warts or, even, warts in general.
You can only talk to the facility offering the treatment and follow their guidelines.
Brandye why is it useless to people over 16? because they have most likely become sexually active? in that case what, about people over 20 who are still virgins
Each national drug agency has established its own guidelines. They run as recommendations that every woman between, roughly, nine and fifteen have the shots. Knowing the data on sexual experience, it is assumed that beyond that age, she will already have been exposed.
Talk to your doctor. We all generally follow guidelines but we all also "adjust" from time to time. I recently had a woman well beyond the guidelines here in the Uk but whom I truat and believe she has not been exposed. Her hymen was still mostly there and I removed that to do a PAP smear. We made it work and she is getting the three shots.
I cannot speak for any doctor beyond myself but I suspect that any woman with a regular doctor can
Okay well i was just reading I guess the limit for the US is 26...but is there any risks if the woman has already contracted it? I ask cuz me and my girlfriend have become sexually active, and she wants to get the shots, but isnt sure if she can....we doubt that either have HPV because we are each others entire sexual life...never had sex or anything only with each other.
No risk if she has already been infected; just useless. This vaccination resists but does not treat.
Ok cool...tthanks for the info