Ansell SKYN Original Non Latex Condoms

Reviewed By: Anonymous On 12-19-2015 

My review today and probably my next few will be around safe sex and the importance of using condoms.We all know that using condoms helps prevent the spread of STD's and protects against unwanted pregnancy, well most of the time anyway.And whilst most people are aware that there is no cure for HIV and Genital herpes they are aware that with the right medication and making some lifestyle changes, people that are diagnosed today with these two particular STD's can generally go on to live relatively normal lives. Armed with this information people still choose to practice unsafe sex. Today I am going to talk about HPV (Human papillomavirus ). HPV is a highly contagious STD for both males and females and when left untreated can cause certain types of cancer. HPV is spread by direct skin to skin contact during all types of sexual activity with someone that has the virus. It is estimated that up to 80% of the general population today will contract or be infected with at least one type of genital HPV in their lifetime. In saying that however, most HPV infections are asymptomatic (showing little or no signs of the disease ). In most cases HPV infections clear up within 12 to 24 months. In 3 to 10% of HPV infections however, the virus persists and this then puts these people at risk of developing a HPV associated cancer. Some of these cancers include the much publicized cervical cancer, some cancers of the vulva, vagina and the anus. HPV also puts people at risk of developing genital warts.There are over 100 types of HPV. Certain types of HPV cause the common warts on the hands and feet. In saying that however, most types of HPV are harmless and show no symptoms at all and simply clear up on their own without you even knowing that you were infected. There are around 40 types of genital HPV as they directly affect the genital area.It is estimated that that many people get their first HPV infection with in the first few years of becoming sexually active. It is also possible to contract the virus without actually having intercourse. Any type of sexual activity involving genital contact can spread this virus.As most types of HPV infection do not show any signs or symptoms, most infected people don't even know they have it and then unknowingly pass it on to others. Most of the time with women, a diagnosis will come as a result of an abnormal result from a pap smear. In Australia we have a national register that will send you a letter whenever you are due for your next pap smear. In most cases that is every 2 years. If a abnormal result is found, it is treated then your pap smears are much more regular, I think every 3 to six months for the first couple of years.It is much more difficult to diagnose HPV in men. As there are generally no signs and symptoms a doctor needs to visually check the genital area to see if warts are present. Some doctors have been known to apply a vinegar solution to a mans genital area to help identify warts that are not raised or visible. But this test is not foolproof or proven.Unfortunately to date there is no routine test or screening for men to check for high risk HPV strains. Some doctors are urging anal pap tests for gay and bisexual men and women who actively participate in anal sex as they are all considered to be at a higher risk of developing anal cancer that is directly associated to HPV. An anal pap test is where the doctor does a scraping inside the anus to collect some anal cells and have them checked in a lab for any abnormalities.I personally believe that in today's society, where anal sex has become a much more common practice the anal pap test should become a regular test for those who wish to have it, just like the vaginal pap test is available to women. Unfortunately anal cancers associated with HPV or not do not have many symptoms in the early stages of the disease so t is difficult to diagnose. Some of the more common symptoms that people tend to see as the cancer progresses are:Bleeding from the anusDiscomfort, pain and straining during bowel movementsChange in bowel habitsDischarge from the anusSwollen lymph nodes in the anus and groin area.Lets hope they introduce a screening test soon for this area. I have also heard that HPV has also been associated with some throat cancers but I will follow up on that and find out a little bit more.

5 of 5 Stars!