JUNE 7, 2012 HPV IN MEN

" Choose the road less traveled and choose it often. This choice makes all the difference."

After this past weekend at the " Medicines from the Earth " I realized I took the road less traveled. I was among herbalists. Although I am a practicing herbalist ,  I am also a medical physician. I choose the road less traveled, but the choice made all the difference in my life. For one it made me happy. It also made me realize that medicine is limited in what it offers. On the other hand, herbs have their limitations. I know the difference. I did choose a road less traveled, but I know I have made the right decision. I fell in love with nature all over again, as if I was that 9 year old " pre- med/vet student' studying plants, insects and animals. Just look around- the medical community is being overhauled as I write.Always choose what is in your heart....you will never be wrong..

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can cause warts. This is the benign condition caused by this virus. There are some HPV viruses associated with pre cancerous and cancer. It accounts for cervical cancer in women. This is always discussed when HPV is the topic, especially HPV 16 and HPV 18.  Genital warts are mostly caused by HPV 6 and HPV 11. These lesions can be found int he public area,. between  he thighs, and inside the vagina and anal canal. Many individuals who get genital HPV will clear the virus without a problem. However the longer the virus remains int he body, the higher the risk of developing an associated cancer.  Teresa Boardwine RH (registered herbalist)  presented an excellent lecture on HPV with its herbal treatment. There is so much a patient can do for their HPV.

Remember this: In Western Medicine there is  NO CURE for HPV infection. 

Since HPV is not readily discussed in men, as much as women I wanted to present some facts.

Anal cancer is a rare disease in the general population. Among gay and HIV positive gay men the incidence of anal cancer is significantly higher. More than 2,250 men will be diagnosed with anal cancer this year.  It is also increasing annually. In the general population the incidence is two out of every 100,000, however in gay men ( with and without HIV positivity) the incidence is 40 out of every 100,000. This is 80 anal cancers per 100,000. This is high. Women fear Human Papilloma Virus that causes cervical cancer. As a gay men we should fear other strains of Human Papilloma Virus that cause anal cancer. Gay men get HPV through both protected and unprotected anal intercourse and through skin to skin contact. In 2009 the GHMC published GHMC Treatment Issues of anal cancer. There were alarming statistics among men who have sex with men (MSM) both with socioeconomic and cultural differences.. The one way to protect yourself is wear a condom and know your sexual partner. As men we can ask your doctor to perform an anal pap. This is very similar to the cervical Pap for women. Studies suggest anal paps every 3 years. Also you need to do some research as not all centers do anal paps. Needless to say that regular anal paps are an important part of staying healthy in addition to safe sexual practices. Both the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association have similar studies that state homosexual behavior in men increases the risk of anal cancer. If you have a history of receptive anal intercourse you are at a higher risk. Smoking also puts you at a higher risk. Another risk factor for developing anal cancer is the use of recreational drugs anally. Using 'crystal meth or ecstasy in the rectum can lead to higher rates of anal cell dysplasia which can lead to anal cancer. From the onset of the HIV epidemic, the recreational drug, ' amyl nitrate or 'poppers' were linked to disease. I feel that ' poppers ''rush' increase your inhibition and anal intercourse is more likely to happen.

Are there preventive measures ? Besides the safe sex and anal paps, you can always clean up your dietary habits.You should only have a colonscopy if you have a positive anal pap or there is a suggestion of other gastrointestinal issues as constipation, bloating, and/or diarrhea.  For those that consume higher sugar in simple carbohydrates , as bread pasta, etc you increase your likelihood of diabetes and obesity. Both are these diseases are  epidemic. Both lead to a diminished immune system.  Also cancers feed on 'sugar' - the acidic environment hypothesis. Eat less carbohydrates and more fruits and vegetables. Eat those green leafy vegetables. Take an above adequate multivitamin. Always hydrate yourself with water. Exercise at least 3 times a week.
Herbal treatments for  HPV( female and male ) in the future

Until tomorrow....