Vaccination

[chex]

Not entirely sure where this goes, so I figured this was likely the safest bet.
So! HPV Vaccination approved for males!
The FDA site, if you are so inclined. (http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm094042.htm)
And the Gardasil website. (http://www.gardasil.com/what-is-gardasil/index.html)
One of the blogs on the subject. (http://www.bvwellness.com/2010/02/05/hpv-vaccine-for-men-and-boys-too/)
Didn't know if people knew about this, so I thought I'd pester you all with it. (Don't worry you're not the only ones... I just can't text message you guys.)

Some of you might be beyond the target age range, but if you know people that aren't encourage them to get these vaccinations (in my experience they get increasingly painful, but a sore arm is better than death by cancer).

That's my story.

[Mike Kelehan]

Well, looks like they took two years too long for me to be eligible... but I'll be sure to pass it along. Thanks.

[Thanasimos]

I do not do shots. It's going to take serious convincing to get me to take any shot which I don't probably need in order to continue living. Judging by how long we've survived without this shot, it's safe to say not having it will not kill me. Safe to say, though, that not everybody I know is so phobic. I'll pass it along too!

[diablopath]

I'm with Moose. I hate shots.

[Doogie2K]

My dad died of stomach cancer caused by HPV. I'm interested.

[Inverarity]

Guys who are in this age range, keep in mind that this isn't necessarily hugely beneficial to you, but that cutting down on the transmission of HPV is quite important for women. It's good that many women are already getting the shot; it helps even more when men follow suit. Get the vaccination, and consider it a good deed on behalf of all the women you know.

(ETA: as Doogie points out, this isn't exclusively a health issue for women. Get the shot.)

[digitalErich]

I'm just out of the age range for this, but I'm still going to fire off an email my doc and see what he has to say. If it's within your means, get the shot.

[Blue]

I'm about 3 years out as is my wife but I'm also not one for just randomly getting shots so I doubt this would change much for me either way. Good for those who would like it, I suppose.

[Generation ABXY]

Yeah, I'm not really one for shots either, but it won't matter - they can just stick me once I pass out. :p

[Kelegacy]

My wife has HPV, which I probably gave to her. I don't know if I have it (I assume so if my wife does?). Many men can be carriers and never know it. We discovered she had it while pregnant with our son.

[Mike Kelehan]

I'm just out of the age range for this, but I'm still going to fire off an email my doc and see what he has to say. If it's within your means, get the shot.

You should post how that goes. If 9-26 is more of a suggestion, then I'd go for it, too.

[digitalErich]

You should post how that goes. If 9-26 is more of a suggestion, then I'd go for it, too.
Will do...I shot off an email just now and he's usually good about responding so I should have something in the next day or two.

[chex]

My wife has HPV, which I probably gave to her. I don't know if I have it (I assume so if my wife does?). Many men can be carriers and never know it. We discovered she had it while pregnant with our son.

If your wife has HPV then you do. It isn't something that people have random immunity to... In fact, the very reason that males carry with out symptoms a majority of the time is what makes it so enormously important that they get vaccinated. If a woman exhibits, she can take precautions, but if a man never sees anything odd going on, there's no real way to be safe. -insert giant rant about uniformed casual sex/not getting tested/not having tests for things like HPV for guys-

You should post how that goes. If 9-26 is more of a suggestion, then I'd go for it, too.
A lot of it depends on how sexually active you are/have been. There's always that terrifying thing about basically having slept with every one of your partner's partners. I was active when I got the shots (I still need to get the last one), but they said I still had a high benefit ratio, because I've only had two partners.
Do be prepared for awkward questions about your sex life and practices.

[pomeroy]

I love all the dudes on here talking about not getting the shot because they don't like needles...

as if y'all would even need it.

;)

[Generation ABXY]

A lot of it depends on how sexually active you are/have been. There's always that terrifying thing about basically having slept with every one of your partner's partners. I was active when I got the shots (I still need to get the last one), but they said I still had a high benefit ratio, because I've only had two partners.
Do be prepared for awkward questions about your sex life and practices.

Ah, I hadn't considered that aspect. I'm right at the threshold, but it may be too late anyway...

[chex]

I love all the dudes on here talking about not getting the shot because they don't like needles...

as if y'all would even need it.

;)

There's a joke here that I'm not getting, isn't there? ... is it an implication that they'll never engage in intercourse?

Ah, I hadn't considered that aspect. I'm right at the threshold, but it may be too late anyway...
GET IT ANYWAY GOD DAMMIT. This is a life long virus. This isn't like rhinovirus that goes away and leaves you with the antibodies, these are retroviruses, they hijack your RNA with theirs, so that their genetic code becomes part of yours. If you can protect yourself and by extension your lovers from just one strain of HPV it's worth it. All of these strains are linked to different kinds of cancer. Cervical, anal, stomach, testicular, even esophageal cancer. For the love of Christ, do it.
Anyway, that's why vaccinating younger is always better... (because there's terrifying shit like that 12 year old in England who knocked up his 13 year old girlfriend, who had been sleeping around on him.) When the vac first came out they wanted it for 13-26 year old females, then pushed the age back to 11, as the media age of sexual activity is so low, and then they pushed even farther back to 9, just to be safe.

Just reread this. I apologise for sounding so bitchy, but a lot of my friends suffer from various illnesses that could have been prevented either by being informed, using protection or getting vaccines. I've lost people to AIDS. Venereal diseases are serious fucking business...

[pomeroy]

There's a joke here that I'm not getting, isn't there? ... is it an implication that they'll never engage in intercourse?

You got it!

(I knew I needed a "It's because you all don't get laid, you see." at the end of my post. Damn it. Damn it to hell.)

[chex]

I just fail at innuendo, don't worry.

[Whunpo]

I'm a needlephobe, but I know I'll end up getting this. Damnit, why do such important things come through needles?

[Mike Kelehan]

A lot of it depends on how sexually active you are/have been. There's always that terrifying thing about basically having slept with every one of your partner's partners. I was active when I got the shots (I still need to get the last one), but they said I still had a high benefit ratio, because I've only had two partners.
Do be prepared for awkward questions about your sex life and practices.

I don't think my three-partner history will hurt me too much, then. Especially since the last one got the shot while we were together, so she must've passed that test.

[Generation ABXY]

GET IT ANYWAY GOD DAMMIT. This is a life long virus. This isn't like rhinovirus that goes away and leaves you with the antibodies, these are retroviruses, they hijack your RNA with theirs, so that their genetic code becomes part of yours. If you can protect yourself and by extension your lovers from just one strain of HPV it's worth it. All of these strains are linked to different kinds of cancer. Cervical, anal, stomach, testicular, even esophageal cancer. For the love of Christ, do it.
Anyway, that's why vaccinating younger is always better... (because there's terrifying shit like that 12 year old in England who knocked up his 13 year old girlfriend, who had been sleeping around on him.) When the vac first came out they wanted it for 13-26 year old females, then pushed the age back to 11, as the media age of sexual activity is so low, and then they pushed even farther back to 9, just to be safe.

Just reread this. I apologise for sounding so bitchy, but a lot of my friends suffer from various illnesses that could have been prevented either by being informed, using protection or getting vaccines. I've lost people to AIDS. Venereal diseases are serious fucking business...

No worries, love. I wasn't going to cry myself to sleep or anything. :D

And, don't get me wrong, I certainly intend to check with my doctors. If a few jabs can still prevent a blissful night from becoming a torturous life sentence, I'll happily comply.

[Doogie2K]

Do be prepared for awkward questions about your sex life and practices.

"Does my hand count as a partner?"

Easiest way to alleviate the awkwardness is by deflecting it back on the questioner. ;)

(Also, +1 for the rant.)

[Ox]

I'm a needlephobe, but I know I'll end up getting this. Damnit, why do such important things come through needles?
There's a version that's administered via large-bore rectal probe, if you prefer.

I'm three years beyond the age range and probably not eligible for other reasons, but I'm kind of blown away by the aichmophobes. You want to poke a woman, it's not unreasonable for her to ask you to get poked yourself. Insert jokes about comparative sizes of the probes, the short duration of the poking, and the relative pleasure experienced while being poked, here.

[Karak]

My wife has HPV, which I probably gave to her. I don't know if I have it (I assume so if my wife does?). Many men can be carriers and never know it. We discovered she had it while pregnant with our son.

Assume you do. I am not saying you do, as it is completely possible to not get it. Not immune just not get it. But I would just assume it if I were you to be safe and so forth.

STD's are scary stuff, I would NEVER hold it over someones head even if I wasn't married and thinking of dating someone, but I WOULD hold it over someone's head if they had the protection and chances that have so recently been developed and not did anything. I already knew this was out as 2 of my family members have it. But its a good reminder.

[Kelegacy]

Well, apparently I have an STD then. I should have put 2 and 2 together before, if my wife had it. Now, if she had it before we got together, or I brought it on, who knows. It's strange, because I always considered myself "clean". But I have never been tested for STDs, and then I don't even know if tests scanned for HPV. Maybe now they do. My wife had STD tests when she was pregnant of course--everything came back normal except for the HPV--so I can assume I'm safe from the other shit. I had never considered HPV an STD until now. Ignorant, I guess.

I did see that the body's immune system can actually get rid of HPV, but if I'm constantly exposed to it on a weekly basis, no chance of that. We're married so there is no protection other than birth control pills...and those are going to be out the window if we decide on another child and I'll get a vasectomy afterwards.

I'm a dirty dirty whore. But the possibility that I could potentially develop cancer from it is a bit worrisome. And apparently genital warts (from reading up on it last night). It's less dangerous for men, but it still has risks.

Scary.

[Purple Santa]

My wife has HPV, which I probably gave to her. I don't know if I have it (I assume so if my wife does?). Many men can be carriers and never know it. We discovered she had it while pregnant with our son.

Well, apparently I have an STD then. I should have put 2 and 2 together before, if my wife had it. Now, if she had it before we got together, or I brought it on, who knows. It's strange, because I always considered myself "clean". But I have never been tested for STDs, and then I don't even know if tests scanned for HPV. Maybe now they do. My wife had STD tests when she was pregnant of course--everything came back normal except for the HPV--so I can assume I'm safe from the other shit. I had never considered HPV an STD until now. Ignorant, I guess.

I did see that the body's immune system can actually get rid of HPV, but if I'm constantly exposed to it on a weekly basis, no chance of that. We're married so there is no protection other than birth control pills...and those are going to be out the window if we decide on another child and I'll get a vasectomy afterwards.

I'm a dirty dirty whore. But the possibility that I could potentially develop cancer from it is a bit worrisome. And apparently genital warts (from reading up on it last night). It's less dangerous for men, but it still has risks.

Scary.
Start here (http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/default.htm) to begin your education. If your wife had the HPV taken care of, then it will heal itself after that. I've gone through this with ADDGirl, me being the dirty "whore". I also did tons of research for a policy class last year involving the HPV vaccination. If you want more info, just PM me. I know more than I ever wanted to know on HPV.

Edit: I wish to add this. To all men who are concerned about women they know, whether that be a friend, girlfriend, wife etc then you make sure they go to their gynecologist for a yearly check up. At that exam, they will be or should be tested for HPV. HPV becomes as Chex has stated, deadly when it becomes undetected. One of the big issues for girls under 18 is the lack of gynecological services they have access too. For fathers or future fathers, your daughters should see a gynecologist as soon as it is acceptable. I'm stepping down from my soap box now...

[digitalErich]

Update: my doc got back to me, but with a "I'll check on this and get back to you" answer. This is usually a good thing as he's likely checking up with a specialist and/or doing more research...I'm guessing because I'm a few years outside the range. I'll update as I get more info.

[Karak]

I also did tons of research for a policy class last year involving the HPV vaccination. If you want more info, just PM me. I know more than I ever wanted to know on HPV.


You and I are like brothers man. Its scary. I worked in research, one of the items we studied was HPV's interaction with the immune system and a range of low infection rate for men who...masturbate alot:) Did you ever hear that one? Europe did studies showing that constant masturbation may roughen the surface skin of the penis over time and cause HPV difficulties in infection rates.

Hahahaha. Weird.
Back to the subject.
Ya test yourselves peeps. Assume infection until cleared. That's what I do. And then assume infection anyway:) People are nasty!

[Disgustipated]

You and I are like brothers man. Its scary. I worked in research, one of the items we studied was HPV's interaction with the immune system and a range of low infection rate for men who...masturbate alot:) Did you ever hear that one? Europe did studies showing that constant masturbation may roughen the surface skin of the penis over time and cause HPV difficulties in infection rates.

Hahahaha. Weird.
Back to the subject.
Ya test yourselves peeps. Assume infection until cleared. That's what I do. And then assume infection anyway:) People are nasty!

I'm gonna jerk off every day now to save my cock from HPV attacks.

[Purple Santa]

You and I are like brothers man. Its scary. I worked in research, one of the items we studied was HPV's interaction with the immune system and a range of low infection rate for men who...masturbate alot:) Did you ever hear that one? Europe did studies showing that constant masturbation may roughen the surface skin of the penis over time and cause HPV difficulties in infection rates.

Hahahaha. Weird.
Back to the subject.
Ya test yourselves peeps. Assume infection until cleared. That's what I do. And then assume infection anyway:) People are nasty!

I'm going to call you brother even if you aren't :D

I have read studies on masturbation and the rates of STDs. I found stuff my professor said she never had other students in all the years she had taught the class (12 yrs). I get obsessed when finding research usually ending up with way more than I need. But why am I not surprised you worked in research.

[chex]

Perhaps the male HPV research gurus will know more than I, but last time I talked to two of my friends who had been concerned about... exposure... they said there was no test for them. I think that might have to do with the fact that cells are taken from the cervix in order to check for HPV infection in females, and there isn't an equivalent in males.
Perhaps because I am not a doctor I cannot understand why a urethral swab, or perhaps a prostate swab wouldn't work (and by swab I mean on of those odd broom devices that they use for pap smears).

[pomeroy]

This thread makes my dick sad.

[chex]

Trust me, HPV does some seriously fucking gruesome shit to vaginas. Your penis might shudder unhappily, my vag quakes in terror.

[PathMaster]

Update: my doc got back to me, but with a "I'll check on this and get back to you" answer. This is usually a good thing as he's likely checking up with a specialist and/or doing more research...I'm guessing because I'm a few years outside the range. I'll update as I get more info.

I am interested to see what your doc says as well. I just turned 27 at the end of 2009. I might be interested in this. I have a small relationship pool, and frankly one reason I have kept it small is my deep fear of STDs.

[Karak]

Perhaps the male HPV research gurus will know more than I, but last time I talked to two of my friends who had been concerned about... exposure... they said there was no test for them. I think that might have to do with the fact that cells are taken from the cervix in order to check for HPV infection in females, and there isn't an equivalent in males.
Perhaps because I am not a doctor I cannot understand why a urethral swab, or perhaps a prostate swab wouldn't work (and by swab I mean on of those odd broom devices that they use for pap smears).

No test in America for men. Typical American democratic bullshit probably.

Occult tests can test for a secondary sign, but that was only tested in Europe and I do not know the success rates. Hence my European studies notes but the results were unknown. I jetted from that shithole before the studies, about 40 of them all STD related, were over.
HPV does not infect(usually) the urethra. Thus the test, swab doesn't work effectively.
For men, its basically visual. Which is shit as almost all of the STD's can be passed with no obvious signs.

Here is another weird one we looked into.
DMSO mixed with hydrogen peroxide rubbed on the SPINE of a man DID reduce herpes infections and outbreaks by over 40% in some men.
Totally fucking "butter on burns" kind of thing there. And DMSO can be dangerous but what a fucking weird thing.

[Karak]

Trust me, HPV does some seriously fucking gruesome shit to vaginas. Your penis might shudder unhappily, my vag quakes in terror.

I will most likely have this as my sig.
That just sends waves of joy through my crotch.

[Generation ABXY]

Your penis might shudder unhappily, my vag quakes in terror.

Yeah, but if you put that to Sembello's "Maniac," it's probably hilarious.

No?

Okay, nevermind...

[chex]

...
HPV does not infect(usually) the urethra. Thus the test, swab doesn't work effectively.
For men, its basically visual. Which is shit as almost all of the STD's can be passed with no obvious signs.

Here is another weird one we looked into.
DMSO mixed with hydrogen peroxide rubbed on the SPINE of a man DID reduce herpes infections and outbreaks by over 40% in some men.
Totally fucking "butter on burns" kind of thing there. And DMSO can be dangerous but what a fucking weird thing.

So a penile biopsy is out then? It fascinates me how little advancement has been made in the medical testing industry for males. I understand that the female system requires more upkeep, because so much can go so catastrophically wrong with our reproductive systems, but a number of these issues stem from STDs that are often silently carried by males.

DMSO? Fascinating... When mixed with PCR it acts as a secondary DNA structure inhibitor, which I would then assume the herpes genetic code counts as... Intersting because of the retroviral properties of herpes... hm.
I will most likely have this as my sig.
That just sends waves of joy through my crotch.
er... Good to know your nether-regions are pleased?
Yeah, but if you put that to Sembello's "Maniac," it's probably hilarious.

No?

Okay, nevermind...
I fail to see how you could mold the scared vagina to the song...

[Karak]

So a penile biopsy is out then? It fascinates me how little advancement has been made in the medical testing industry for males. I understand that the female system requires more upkeep, because so much can go so catastrophically wrong with our reproductive systems, but a number of these issues stem from STDs that are often silently carried by males.

DMSO? Fascinating... When mixed with PCR it acts as a secondary DNA structure inhibitor, which I would then assume the herpes genetic code counts as... Intersting because of the retroviral properties of herpes... hm.

DMSO, as dangerous as it can be as a carrier, is a fascinating chemical and mixed with h2o2 it becomes moreso. Drug delivery is just one of the possible uses. Arthritis is probably where I see DMSO succeeding but in sexual health its possible it may find a place.

As for male sexual testing and so forth. I have always found it strange that so many diseases go unchecked in males as if its a purposeful construct so that spreading is easier as the carrier doesn't show signs.
Which, if looking at viral patterns, is not that strange to think.
Oh and I was just joking about the crotch comment. Sorry if it bothered you.

[chex]

DMSO, as dangerous as it can be as a carrier, is a fascinating chemical and mixed with h2o2 it becomes moreso. Drug delivery is just one of the possible uses. Arthritis is probably where I see DMSO succeeding but in sexual health its possible it may find a place.

As for male sexual testing and so forth. I have always found it strange that so many diseases go unchecked in males as if its a purposeful construct so that spreading is easier as the carrier doesn't show signs.
Which, if looking at viral patterns, is not that strange to think.
Oh and I was just joking about the crotch comment. Sorry if it bothered you.

They use it as paint stripper! I'm not entirely sold on the idea of rubbing it on people's skin...

Viruses can't survive without hosts... I like to think of it as little tiny invaders declaring war on the host cell's, who mobilize their own army of bacteriophages and destroyer cells. (I often envisioned the Star Wars movies in biology.)

It's cool. I was also making awkward joke. You're probably less offensive than a number of my friends, and that whole probably never meeting you in person renders you a non-threat. ... That's a complement.

[Savok]

But vaccines cause autism!... oh wait. Still, I can be almost 100% certain I'm clean... *cries*

Glad they're finally doing this anyway. Strange the male one doesn't include 16 and 18 though, would of thought it'd at least help with herd immunity somewhat.

[Generation ABXY]

I fail to see how you could mold the scared vagina to the song...

You see quaking with fear, I see dancing...without feet.

Ah, if I could only show you the images in my head, you'd...well, probably run out of the room screaming, but with a better understanding.

[Karak]

They use it as paint stripper! I'm not entirely sold on the idea of rubbing it on people's skin...

Viruses can't survive without hosts... I like to think of it as little tiny invaders declaring war on the host cell's, who mobilize their own army of bacteriophages and destroyer cells. (I often envisioned the Star Wars movies in biology.)

It's cool. I was also making awkward joke. You're probably less offensive than a number of my friends, and that whole probably never meeting you in person renders you a non-threat. ... That's a complement.
They do indeed. However you can strip paint with salt as well. So you sort of half to think about it in different ways.
Vets use it, which by itself is not a great thing, but its been used with success in that field for various things.

[chex]

But vaccines cause autism!... oh wait. Still, I can be almost 100% certain I'm clean... *cries*

Glad they're finally doing this anyway. Strange the male one doesn't include 16 and 18 though, would of thought it'd at least help with herd immunity somewhat.
Thymerisol does tend to make me feel like absolute hell for a few days. The flu vac actually give me pneumonia/bronchial infections. But I'm prone to those and am asthmatic, so no surprise there.
You know, I really hope they're working on it, still. I hope this is the "well, let's get what we've got out there, to hopefully reduce the risk of these, and then when we get everything else, those folks can get booster shots." deal.
Also, I fail to see how certainty that you're spared from a potentially lfe threatening disease could cause tears. Unless they were of joy. I've had a couple scares, and let me tell you I have never been more fucking terrified in my entire life (and this is including all the car accidents I've been in, gang warfare I've lived around, and even the one time my father threatened to commit suicide).
You see quaking with fear, I see dancing...without feet.

Ah, if I could only show you the images in my head, you'd...well, probably run out of the room screaming, but with a better understanding.
... MS paint?

They do indeed. However you can strip paint with salt as well. So you sort of half to think about it in different ways.
Vets use it, which by itself is not a great thing, but its been used with success in that field for various things.
Never knew that (and I have spent an inordinate amount of my life stripping and refinishing things).
What do vets use it for?

[Hawkzombie]

Put me in the 'too old' crowd =\

EDIT: chex...It's mostly because he's crying tears of never having been with a woman :p

[Savok]

Or a man, or a particularly attractive donkey.... or anything

EDIT: Also you've had a hell of a life, Chex.

[Kelegacy]

I'm coming to Australia to have sex with you Savok. To give you HPV.

I actually feel a bit sick when I think about my body carrying some sort of STD. It's like I shudder when I think about it. The next time I have sex with my wife will probably be cumbersome as my imagination of bodily fluids and STDs jumping all over the place.

She's having her period now, so I have a few days of safety. This thread has ruined my sex life.

[Narradisall]

I'm interested. Plus I'm in the age group. I've never had an STD as I'm rather safe acting in that regard, plus my current partner I've been with for 2 years (she's getting me bioshock 2 for valentines, awesome!) and we've not infected each other with anything horrid yet.

I'd still consider getting this, I'll have to check it out.

[Handmade.Mercury]

If I didn't have to, I wouldn't get vaccines. I take disease as a challenge from nature. A challenge that I must accept, and one in which I WILL be victorious.

[chex]

Or a man, or a particularly attractive donkey.... or anything

EDIT: Also you've had a hell of a life, Chex.

Donkeys are mean, you're doing good by not molesting them. That being said, that whole "your first time will be with you forever" thing? True fucking fact. Make sure you won't regret it (because trust me, the harder you try to forget and wipe the shame away, the more grotequely vivid the details become.)

Yes, well... You tend to lead an interesting life when your mother quits her job when you're nine to become an independent business owner working at SCI-FI cons and historical reenactment festivals. And your father is a military man.

... This thread has ruined my sex life.

(hugs) =( That was not my intention... I apologise.
If I didn't have to, I wouldn't get vaccines. I take disease as a challenge from nature. A challenge that I must accept, and one in which I WILL be victorious.
You sound like my friend Chris... He calls me Unter Mensch all the time, because of my weak immune system.

[Savok]

It'll probably never happen anyway, I have enough problems with simply leaving the house, a giant moist hole covered in fur will probably kill me on sight.

And christ, between you and Karak I feel even worse about my life. Only thing of note for me in the last 10 years was a psychopathic neighbour who possibly wanted to murder my whole family.

[TheFlyingOrc]

I'm coming to Australia to have sex with you Savok. To give you HPV.

I actually feel a bit sick when I think about my body carrying some sort of STD. It's like I shudder when I think about it. The next time I have sex with my wife will probably be cumbersome as my imagination of bodily fluids and STDs jumping all over the place.


Dude, when you have sex you launch out tiny tadpole-like organisms that WRIGGLE. Your body, without having a "disease" is home to a huge number and many, many types of bacteria. Calm down, it's fine.

[Kelegacy]

Dude, when you have sex you launch out tiny tadpole-like organisms that WRIGGLE. Your body, without having a "disease" is home to a huge number and many, many types of bacteria. Calm down, it's fine.

My body is a temple how dare you desecrate it with your wordage thusly.

[TheFlyingOrc]

My body is a temple how dare you desecrate it with your wordage thusly.

Keep this up and I'll desecrate it with my wrigglers.

did i just use gay sex as a threat i need to talk to a therapist of something

[Kelegacy]

Keep this up and I'll desecrate it with my wrigglers.

did i just use gay sex as a threat i need to talk to a therapist of something

If you touch me, you could get warts. Because of this thread, I found out HPV can cause such a thing. Thank-you chex, for letting me know I could get warts on my mushroom stalk. Something else I can look forward to.

I'm a fucking toad! It's like I'm some freak from Super Mario Bros. 2. A toad, with warts, on my mushroom. And I shoot eggs from my nose.

[Savok]

Don't the wrigglers just die and rot in the other person anyway?

Sex is horrible.

[Kelegacy]

Don't the wrigglers just die and rot in the other person anyway?

Sex is horrible.

They get swallowed and digested and absorbed as nutrients in my household.

[TheFlyingOrc]

I'm a fucking toad! It's like I'm some freak from Super Mario Bros. 2. A toad, with warts, on my mushroom. And I shoot eggs from my nose.

http://www.supermariolegacy.com/FanArt/Lwelyk/Smb2Toad.jpg

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs44/f/2009/064/3/2/Super_Mario_Bros_2___Wart_by_dream_happy.png

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i265/gardenstew/Misc/Mushroom.jpg

http://bulk.destructoid.com/ul/150274-male-or-female-ten-videogame-characters-i-m-not-sure-of/Androgynous%20-%20Birdo-620x.jpg

This is what sex is like.

[Shamrock Jimmy]

Would it be too much of a dick move to tell my brother about about this, who got HPV a couple years ago from his exgirlfriend who got it when she cheated on him?

[Hawkzombie]

LMAO Orc...

And I say we start a 'Buy Savok a HPV-Free Hooker' fund. So then at least he has the memory to be shameful of.

[chex]

It'll probably never happen anyway, I have enough problems with simply leaving the house, a giant moist hole covered in fur will probably kill me on sight.

And christ, between you and Karak I feel even worse about my life. Only thing of note for me in the last 10 years was a psychopathic neighbour who possibly wanted to murder my whole family.

Hey, penises aren't exactly the most beautiful things on the face of the planet, either. I made some faces and had to short stop myself from saying something very rude to the guy I lost my V-Card to. In retrospect, if I had said something rude, he might have given up on the idea of banging me... hmmm.

A quiet life is nothing to be ashamed of, man. Peace is difficult to come across these days.
If you touch me, you could get warts. Because of this thread, I found out HPV can cause such a thing. Thank-you chex, for letting me know I could get warts on my mushroom stalk. Something else I can look forward to.

I'm a fucking toad! It's like I'm some freak from Super Mario Bros. 2. A toad, with warts, on my mushroom. And I shoot eggs from my nose.

Mushroom stalk... fascinating.
Anyway, only certain strains of HPV cause warts, so if you haven't manifested them, it's highly unlikely that you will.

First time I got a yeast infection I flipped my shit. I cried for like half the night. And then I was just plain infuriated. Then I found out I'm allergic to Monistat and things got really awful. Doc wound up telling me to chill, because stressing about weakened my immune system which made the problem worse.
tl;dr: Relax, stress weakens your immune system.
Don't the wrigglers just die and rot in the other person anyway?

Sex is horrible.
Ever headr the adage "little death"? That's a dysphemism (perhaps euphemism) for an orgasm.
As for the little guys rotting... er, not quite. They can survive up to three days in a healthy vaginal environment, that being said, however, the vaginal canal is actually hostile to sperm, as it is incredibly acidic. Male ejaculate contains alkaline substances in order to prolong the life of the sperm, and protect the genetic material. Also the vagina is a self cleaning organ, and often sheds it's own post coitus mucous within a few hours. Ergo, most of the little swimmers are swept out to sea with the tide.

They get swallowed and digested and absorbed as nutrients in my household.
Checked out the Semen Cookbook yet?

Would it be too much of a dick move to tell my brother about about this, who got HPV a couple years ago from his exgirlfriend who got it when she cheated on him?
It wouldn't be a dick move at all. Just because he's contracted one strain doesn't mean that he won't benefit from this! This protects against many strains. Tell him. For the love of god.

[digitalErich]

My doc seems to think that if you're older and have been sexually active, it's not worth it...his response:

"So it was kind of what I figured; this wouldn't be too helpful or useful; by your age you have been exposed to the virus and there is no use in having the vaccine (assuming you have been sexually active in the past). This is why there is the age limitation on the vaccine; the idea is to have the vaccine before becoming sexually active."

[Kelegacy]

My doc seems to think that if you're older and have been sexually active, it's not worth it...his response:

"So it was kind of what I figured; this wouldn't be too helpful or useful; by your age you have been exposed to the virus and there is no use in having the vaccine (assuming you have been sexually active in the past). This is why there is the age limitation on the vaccine; the idea is to have the vaccine before becoming sexually active."

Soo...you're okay to get the shot then, huh? ;)

[Savok]

Hey, penises aren't exactly the most beautiful things on the face of the planet, either. I made some faces and had to short stop myself from saying something very rude to the guy I lost my V-Card to. In retrospect, if I had said something rude, he might have given up on the idea of banging me... hmmm.
Oh god they're horrible, disgusting things, yours is by far the lesser of the two evils.

Ever headr the adage "little death"? That's a dysphemism (perhaps euphemism) for an orgasm.
As for the little guys rotting... er, not quite. They can survive up to three days in a healthy vaginal environment, that being said, however, the vaginal canal is actually hostile to sperm, as it is incredibly acidic. Male ejaculate contains alkaline substances in order to prolong the life of the sperm, and protect the genetic material. Also the vagina is a self cleaning organ, and often sheds it's own post coitus mucous within a few hours. Ergo, most of the little swimmers are swept out to sea with the tide.
Erotic.

I swear sex robots are going to be the end of humanity. And what a happy ending it will be.

[Ox]

I swear sex robots are going to be the end of humanity. And what a happy ending it will be.
Savok, it's a pretty sad state of affairs if even your sexbot will only go to third base.

[Savok]

Shut up! She said had to wash her hair.... but she doesn't have hair...

[PathMaster]

My doc seems to think that if you're older and have been sexually active, it's not worth it...his response:

"So it was kind of what I figured; this wouldn't be too helpful or useful; by your age you have been exposed to the virus and there is no use in having the vaccine (assuming you have been sexually active in the past). This is why there is the age limitation on the vaccine; the idea is to have the vaccine before becoming sexually active."

Interesting. I wonder where/what the line is? How many partners before this is mostly useless?

[Savok]

I expect it's how many strains you've picked up.

[Vigil80]

All this right before flying out for a week's vacation with my girlfriend for Valentine's Day.

I hate this thread. And myself.:mad:

[chex]

I expect it's how many strains you've picked up.

This.
They estimate the rate of exposure to various strains based on your age and sexual history. As previously mentioned, however, you're basically sleeping with everyone your partner has ever slept with, which means you might have only had sex with one person, but whatever they were exposed to, you have been too. So if your one partner was a total slut you're screwed in the less fun way.
That being said, they can't really test males for HPV, so unless you have a vag and you're up for happy fun time with the cervical sweep, you're stuck playing pin the tail on the moving object.
Though, they'll probably still vac you if you've had a lower number of partners, even if you are farther along the provided time frame. That's what they decided on for me. (I also was on the verge of holy fury, so... yeah...)
All this right before flying out for a week's vacation with my girlfriend for Valentine's Day.

I hate this thread. And myself.:mad:
Hate is a strong word... -shrugs- Unfortunately humans are some of the best petri dishes around, don't get too fussed.

[digitalErich]

Soo...you're okay to get the shot then, huh? ;)
Hey now, I have the receipts the hookers gave me as proof. :)

Just kidding, it's all cash.

[Zero]

My wife has HPV, which I probably gave to her. I don't know if I have it (I assume so if my wife does?). Many men can be carriers and never know it. We discovered she had it while pregnant with our son.

Sorry just curious, what does this mean for your son, healthwise?

[PathMaster]

This.
They estimate the rate of exposure to various strains based on your age and sexual history. As previously mentioned, however, you're basically sleeping with everyone your partner has ever slept with, which means you might have only had sex with one person, but whatever they were exposed to, you have been too. So if your one partner was a total slut you're screwed in the less fun way.
That being said, they can't really test males for HPV, so unless you have a vag and you're up for happy fun time with the cervical sweep, you're stuck playing pin the tail on the moving object.
Though, they'll probably still vac you if you've had a lower number of partners, even if you are farther along the provided time frame. That's what they decided on for me. (I also was on the verge of holy fury, so... yeah...)

Hate is a strong word... -shrugs- Unfortunately humans are some of the best petri dishes around, don't get too fussed.

Makes sense. Thanks for the info.

[Kelegacy]

Sorry just curious, what does this mean for your son, healthwise?

He came out with a tail and horns. And he eats other children.

Honestly, I don't know. I asked my wife about it the other night and she said he was fine. But honestly, I have no idea--I don't know if he was ever tested for stuff like that, and I doubt he was. They do the gamut of blood tests at birth, but STDs would be the last thing they'd check for, I think.

It might be like HIV and other diseases where the child can be perfectly fine though the mother has the disease. I don't know. I'll ask the doctor about it the next time we're in for a well child check.

[Savok]

HPV has been around a long time, the change now is we're finding it and blocking it.

[chex]

Makes sense. Thanks for the info.

You're welcome.

He came out with a tail and horns. And he eats other children.

Aww ^.^ what a cutie.

HPV has been around a long time, the change now is we're finding it and blocking it.

I'll be well and truly impressed when they create a vaccine for rhinovirus. In the mean time I will crow about things like this, in hopes of preventing as many complications as possible.

[Vandabo]

Every other sentence in this thread is sig worthy.

On topic... All you needle phobes need to step up and get this. We could go a long way to making this disease a relatively trivial matter if everyone just put up with a moments pain.

Think of all the irregular pap smears that we could prevent! Not to mention crotch shrooms.

[Hawkzombie]

Like I said, if I were younger I would. I have zero problem with needles, so long as I don't really have to watch it enter me. I mean hell, I've had blood drawn and it doesn't get much worse than that, so far as needles go.

[ShivaX]

Every other sentence in this thread is sig worthy.

On topic... All you needle phobes need to step up and get this. We could go a long way to making this disease a relatively trivial matter if everyone just put up with a moments pain.

Think of all the irregular pap smears that we could prevent! Not to mention crotch shrooms.

Well in my case I tend to go into shock when dealing with needles or even a lot of medical proceedures. Plus I'm probably too old anyway. I have an actual phobia of needles and most cutting devices.

[Generation ABXY]

Well in my case I tend to go into shock when dealing with needles or even a lot of medical proceedures. Plus I'm probably too old anyway. I have an actual phobia of needles and most cutting devices.

And if you would just faint like a real man, it could all be over by the time you come to. Man up! :D

[chex]

Think of all the irregular pap smears that we could prevent! Not to mention crotch shrooms.

"Crotch shrooms" that... honestly sounds worse than "genital warts" o.O
And if you would just faint like a real man, it could all be over by the time you come to. Man up! :D

If fainting is out of the question, and you're one of those lucky sons-a-bitches not immune to local aenesthetics you could ask them to numb you a little bit and shield you from the sight.

[ShivaX]

If fainting is out of the question, and you're one of those lucky sons-a-bitches not immune to local aenesthetics you could ask them to numb you a little bit and shield you from the sight.

Wouldn't matter. Just thinking about it is making me light headed, to be honest. Once it starts setting in anything touching me might as well be a branding iron, it gets the same reaction.

Honestly if they'd let me I'd gladly let them hit me with chloroform or something and do whatever. Ok, time to leave this thread forever, my feet are tingling.

[Vandabo]

This would be my method for dealing with the needle phobes.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w286/vandabo/dartgun.jpg

Or maybe we could just start putting it in the water like flouride.

Of course that might sap and impurify our precious bodily fluids.

[diablopath]

God damn it, Chex. V-Card?

[Generation ABXY]

God damn it, Chex. V-Card?

Heh, I was trying to remember the person who said they hated that term. Was that you?

[diablopath]

Yeah. I think Whunpo brought it up originally, but goddamn, I hate that word.

[chex]

... I refuse to apologise.
I picked it up from a friend of mine. It makes me feel the impact of losing my virginity to a sociopathic obsessive compulsive liar a bit less.

[Hawkzombie]

What's wrong with Valentine's Cards?

:p

[Mike Kelehan]

Back on topic, I emailed my doctor, and she said while it's not clear that I need it, she'll give it to me if I'm willing to put up the $214. So, I'm getting it.

[Whunpo]

God damn it, Chex. V-Card?
Yeah, I didn't want to step into this thread just to post that and be an ass, but I almost did. What a terrible, terrible word.
Continue.

[Kelegacy]

Back on topic, I emailed my doctor, and she said while it's not clear that I need it, she'll give it to me if I'm willing to put up the $214. So, I'm getting it.

Do you have health insurance? That's an expensive vaccine. I work in medical billing and few of ours are that pricey at full price, though I can't remember the price of Gardisil itself.

[Mike Kelehan]

Do you have health insurance? That's an expensive vaccine. I work in medical billing and few of ours are that pricey at full price, though I can't remember the price of Gardisil itself.

I do have health insurance. I'm also a 28 year old male getting vaccinated for cervical cancer. When I called the receptionist to make an appointment:

"Hi, I just got a prescription for Gardasil, and I need to make an appointment to get it administered."
"For yourself?"
"Yes."
"...for HPV?"
"Yes."

Apparently it's weird that I'd get a shot to prevent someone ELSE from getting cancer.

[Purple Santa]

... I refuse to apologise.
I picked it up from a friend of mine. It makes me feel the impact of losing my virginity to a sociopathic obsessive compulsive liar a bit less.
Funny, i've had friends describe many men that way. I'm seeing a pattern ;)

[PathMaster]

I do have health insurance. I'm also a 28 year old male getting vaccinated for cervical cancer. When I called the receptionist to make an appointment:

"Hi, I just got a prescription for Gardasil, and I need to make an appointment to get it administered."
"For yourself?"
"Yes."
"...for HPV?"
"Yes."

Apparently it's weird that I'd get a shot to prevent someone ELSE from getting cancer.

I can only imagine what the people at the local health centers or hospital would say should I call and ask for that shot. Small town rumor mill for the fail!

[chex]

Apparently it's weird that I'd get a shot to prevent someone ELSE from getting cancer.

Unfortunately, it is... most folks go with the "well, better them than me..." mentality. Which is fine in cases of spontaneous combustion, but not in something so easily preventable.

Funny, I've had friends describe many men that way. I'm seeing a pattern ;)

To put it in to perspective my ex is in prison because he turned out to be a child molester. I had to testify against him. I like to pretend that the whole virginity thing wasn't too big a deal.

[jpc_theoneandonly]

This may sound completely ignorant, but I was under the impression that HPV only affected women. Maybe it was just all of the commercials.

Any how, you want to talk painful shots? The anthrax shot sucks. And it is a series of six with an annual booster. That, and a pennicilin shot in the ass. The needle is frickin huge!

In the army we call it the peanut butter shot. It feels like they are trying to inject jiffy into your ass cheek. Then it hurts to sit down for 4 days.

[ShivaX]

This may sound completely ignorant, but I was under the impression that HPV only affected women.

Pretty much, but men can get and carry it.
Thus the whole getting a vaccination to avoid giving it to others.

[chex]

This may sound completely ignorant, but I was under the impression that HPV only affected women. Maybe it was just all of the commercials.

Oh, sweetie... No. HPV, like all viruses affects both sexes. Also like most STDs, they can't reliably test males for HPV, and males are often simply carriers. The reason the vac was designed for females first is because Doc can just scrape up the cervix and have a looksee at the genetic damage. Lucky you guys, not having a cervix.
Anyway, take it from the mouths of medical professionals at the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-and-men.htm).

Following up Shiva's comment, I suppose, semantically, that females are usually the ones "affected". Except in cases where males develop penile/anal/other flavours of cancer. Or genital warts.

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Well I don't want any flavour of cancer or genital warts. So go ahead and consider me vaccinated.


*Man, I hate to get off track here but something has been driving me batshit crazy. Everywhere I look I see the words "flavour" and "colour". Since when are they not spelled "flavor" and "color"? Or have I just been spelling them wrong all these years?

[chex]

Well I don't want any flavour of cancer or genital warts. So go ahead and consider me vaccinated.


*Man, I hate to get off track here but something has been driving me batshit crazy. Everywhere I look I see the words "flavour" and "colour". Since when are they not spelled "flavor" and "color"? Or have I just been spelling them wrong all these years?

Thank you =)

Being as that I am American, I can't really go on "bully for real English", but the Brits spell them "colour, flavour, honour", things like that. I picked it up ages ago when I first started to learn to spell and read British authors. I also do things like "grey" and "focussed". You're not doing anything wrong, it's just to do with dialects. (And before anyone jumps on me about American English not being a recognised dialect, it is. Deal. It just doesn't get a cute little name, unlike Australian English.)

[jpc_theoneandonly]

Thank you =)

Being as that I am American, I can't really go on "bully for real English", but the Brits spell them "colour, flavour, honour", things like that. I picked it up ages ago when I first started to learn to spell and read British authors. I also do things like "grey" and "focussed". You're not doing anything wrong, it's just to do with dialects. (And before anyone jumps on me about American English not being a recognised dialect, it is. Deal. It just doesn't get a cute little name, unlike Australian English.)

Well that clears things up a Brit. :p

[TrackZero]

Well that clears things up a Brit. :p

Also applies for us Canucks. Pretty much any English speakers outside of the ol' USA. ;)

[TheFlyingOrc]

Back on topic, I emailed my doctor, and she said while it's not clear that I need it, she'll give it to me if I'm willing to put up the $214. So, I'm getting it.

Holy balls.


I'm certainly not getting it, then. However, I am planning on being lifetime monogamous, so it's not like it matters.

[Kelegacy]

I can only imagine what the people at the local health centers or hospital would say should I call and ask for that shot. Small town rumor mill for the fail!

If you call it no one should be spreading the news or telling ANYONE outside of normal job activities (like co-workers needing to discuss your case in their daily duties). If they do speak about patient cases to other people, that is against the law as it is a HIPAA violation. Patient confidentiality is incredibly protected in the medical industry. They could lose their jobs, face fines or worse, and if I heard people knew of a medical condition I had and I hadn't told anyone other than the physician's office, I'd be doing something about it.

[Savok]

And the local post office shouldn't be opening my mail either. Small town living, the rule ignoring that goes on here can suck sometimes.

[Kelegacy]

And the local post office shouldn't be opening my mail either. Small town living, the rule ignoring that goes on here can suck sometimes.

Well, Australia is Orwellian so I don't know much about how laws work there, but in America if you reported such an offense it would be disastrous for the offender. Mail opening is a federal offense, as is even destroying a person's mail box (teenagers hit them with baseball bats for fun sometimes as they drive by). Discussing people's medical issues like it's gossip is a gross violation and the least of your concerns would be getting fired.

I work in medical billing...it's pretty touchy stuff. I really can't even speak to husbands for their wives' accounts and vice versa unless I have verbal consent over the phone.

[Savok]

Same here on paper. In practice Australia Post is useless and doesn't care.

We don't have the baseball bat thing though, kids much prefer small makeshift bombs.

[PathMaster]

If you call it no one should be spreading the news or telling ANYONE outside of normal job activities (like co-workers needing to discuss your case in their daily duties). If they do speak about patient cases to other people, that is against the law as it is a HIPAA violation. Patient confidentiality is incredibly protected in the medical industry. They could lose their jobs, face fines or worse, and if I heard people knew of a medical condition I had and I hadn't told anyone other than the physician's office, I'd be doing something about it.

Oh I know, but I used to have a friend who worked in one of the offices I could call. And he would tell me often how many others rifled basically through patient folders. Or even something innocuous as mentioning something a client said over the phone to someone else. It is NOT suppose to happen, but it does.

[Karak]

If you call it no one should be spreading the news or telling ANYONE outside of normal job activities (like co-workers needing to discuss your case in their daily duties). If they do speak about patient cases to other people, that is against the law as it is a HIPAA violation. Patient confidentiality is incredibly protected in the medical industry. They could lose their jobs, face fines or worse, and if I heard people knew of a medical condition I had and I hadn't told anyone other than the physician's office, I'd be doing something about it.

That's what I thought as well. Until I reported a trio of nurses in my old town who would go to the bar on fridays with their COP best friend(male) and tell stories with names about people who came in. Horrible stories, all kinds of stories. I witnessed it on two occasions with names to back it up and witnesses twice.

NADA. Reported it and nothing ever came of it. Even with times and dates, and names of witnesses.

Just an FYI for some if you think your safe with info.

That's why I just rub dirt on whatever wound I get and jump back into the game:)

[Kelegacy]

You can trust me. :)

I had a friend's wife call and she didn't realize it was me at first and gave her Medicaid info. Now, most people don't want others to know they are on Medicaid. She didn't realize she was speaking with me.

We go out to eat weeks later and she turns to my wife and asks if I mentioned that she called in and gave me her Medicaid numbers. My wife didn't know what she was talking about. I said, "Jessica, of course I didn't tell her. I wouldn't do that and I couldn't anyway because of privacy laws. That's confidential stuff."

So she told my wife about how the family was on health care assistance for the poor (basically saying they weren't doing that well financially) because she figured we already knew--it was a sort of defense mechanism. But she didn't even need to!

[Mike Kelehan]

Got the shot today. The doctor was only too happy to give it to me, said more people should do it, and told me to save the receipt and write off the cost as a medical expense on next year's taxes.

[Ox]

Holy shit, Karak. Once again, you astound me.

Lawyers have to deal with similar confidentiality rules -- even more stringent in some ways -- and while we swap stories, we always carefully strip out names and identifying info before we do.

Although I do know lawyers who will casually throw around names and identifying info of witnesses in the clear even though the record has been sealed for privacy or safety reasons. But that's a tactic to try to frighten or embarrass the witness into staying silent, not indifference.

[Kelegacy]

Got the shot today. The doctor was only too happy to give it to me, said more people should do it, and told me to save the receipt and write off the cost as a medical expense on next year's taxes.

You have to have 3% of your annual salary go towards medical bills to even factor in any deduction, correct? I've never had many medical expenses, so I really have never done that.

[Mike Kelehan]

You have to have 3% of your annual salary go towards medical bills to even factor in any deduction, correct? I've never had many medical expenses, so I really have never done that.

Since I work for myself, I pay for my own insurance, so it's safe to say I spend 3% of my earnings keeping myself going.

[PathMaster]

Got the shot today. The doctor was only too happy to give it to me, said more people should do it, and told me to save the receipt and write off the cost as a medical expense on next year's taxes.

Did it hurt!!! I like to be forward thinking about stuff like this, but I just do not know.

[Kelegacy]

Sissies! We play violent videogames with blood and guts but are afraid of little shots? Did it hurt...I can't remember the last time a shot truly bothered me. The H1N1 shot was a pain in the ass and seemed to bother me (or maybe it was the regular flu shot) but that was after the fact and it was just a sore arm from the vaccine. But the actual shot...even if it did sting it's so quick and the benefit is greater. Just don't look at the needle.

You guys are wimps. You're men for crying out loud!

[Generation ABXY]

You're men for crying out loud!

Hear, hear! :D

I may not bother with something like the seasonal flu shot, but the benefit here should be more than enough to overcome my usual issues. (I haven't yet gotten the shot myself; my doctor laughed when I asked, but promised to look into it, so...)

[Vigil80]

I have this thread in part to thank for the following. I hate airing personal matters in general - not to mention hijacking threads - but I'm starting to make myself a bit crazy, and need to talk about it, I believe. It's a sensitive, personal discussion, so feel free to skip over.

I've had two partners total in my life. I parted ways with the first almost exactly a year ago. I eventually realized that hers was a rather checkered past, which concerned me. But, I never knew her to have symptoms or disease - unless you count her toddler from her previous relationship - and in a year's time, I have had no symptoms that I noticed or can recall.

However, numerous things got me to thinking - including this thread and concern for my second, current partner. I made an appointment to be screened so I could have peace of mind. I'm finding that, much like being around police can sometimes make you feel guilty whether you've done anything or not, the upcoming testing is making me question the slightest perceived irregularity.

I suppose I'm looking for rational, cooler heads on CoG. It occurs to me that too may be some sign of an illness. :p

[Mike Kelehan]

Did it hurt!!! I like to be forward thinking about stuff like this, but I just do not know.

It's a really tiny needle, and it's just a quick pinch. Your shoulder will be a little sore for the rest of the day, but as long as nobody punches you in the shoulder, you really won't feel it. I promise you, it's nothing to worry about... and I'm the biggest wuss here when it comes to pain.

I made an appointment to be screened so I could have peace of mind.

That's the right call. Don't worry about it.

[Karak]

Holy shit, Karak. Once again, you astound me.

Lawyers have to deal with similar confidentiality rules -- even more stringent in some ways -- and while we swap stories, we always carefully strip out names and identifying info before we do.

Although I do know lawyers who will casually throw around names and identifying info of witnesses in the clear even though the record has been sealed for privacy or safety reasons. But that's a tactic to try to frighten or embarrass the witness into staying silent, not indifference.

In a bad way? Sorry I am not sure I understand.

[Kelegacy]

I suppose I'm looking for rational, cooler heads on CoG. It occurs to me that too may be some sign of an illness. :p

Try not to worry about it...but that's easy for me to say. Being screened for STDs makes everyone worried.

I was joking around, on the way home tonight, about calling into work with crazy symptoms like an outbreak of anal herpes, a festering penis, etc., wondering how the boss would take it. My wife chimes in, "I've got chlamydia!" and I turned to her, totally at attention and exclaimed, "WHAT!?" I was scared for that few seconds and I was totally irrational. "You do?!" Of course she doesn't have it, we were screened when she was pregnant, we're married and monogamous, but for some reason I just reacted.

She started laughing and said, "No, that's what you could say when you call into work. I was like, "Oh. Yeah."

Anyway, take heart in knowing that though the screening process and the wait is fearsome, putting yourself at ease will trump that feeling completely.

[Ox]

In a bad way? Sorry I am not sure I understand.
I'm astounded at how cavalier those nurses are, in a bad way. Not a reflection on you, of course.

[Vigil80]

Anyway, take heart in knowing that though the screening process and the wait is fearsome, putting yourself at ease will trump that feeling completely.
That's what I keep telling myself. It doesn't help that the scariest afflictions seem to be the ones with the least obvious symptoms.

I believe I'm making myself sick over it. My stomach hurts as I sit here thinking about it.

Yes I know, "worrying doesn't do any good.™" But rational thinking is one of the first things to go in these situations.

[Karak]

I'm astounded at how cavalier those nurses are, in a bad way. Not a reflection on you, of course.

OH gotcha. Don't know why I read it wrong. No probs.
Ya they were bitches. I think the thing that pissed me off the most was their story of homeless people and how horrible they treated them. Its funny but you see...ER or something and mostly the doctors/nurses care, even if they are a bit rude. But these people basically came as close to abuse as possible.

[chex]

Does it hurt?
Err, yeah. It's a vaccine. It's intramuscular, right in the bicep. The first one was more painful for me for a few days, as it was really close to my joint (my shoulders are in awful condition), the second one hurt more on the initial poke, but less over the course of days, as it was lower and in my left arm (which gets a lot more use). It's not going to cause fainting, unless you're terrified of needles, but it's also not going to be akin to getting a massage from a hot nurse.
Mild discomfiture is a very small price to pay for peace of mind (and the potential of saving lives.)

[Kelegacy]

We are probably going to have another child someday and after that I'm going to get a vasectomy. You know what? They inject a needle right into your scrotum to numb it locally. And they cut into your scrotum. You're awake the entire time, in the doctor's office instead of an OR.

Think about that. A needle in the scrotum vs. a needle in the arm. Whooptie doo, you pansies! :)

[chex]

We are probably going to have another child someday and after that I'm going to get a vasectomy. You know what? They inject a needle right into your scrotum to numb it locally. And they cut into your scrotum. You're awake the entire time, in the doctor's office instead of an OR.

Think about that. A needle in the scrotum vs. a needle in the arm. Whooptie doo, you pansies! :)

This.
Certainly one way to put it in to perspective.

[Generation ABXY]

It's not going to cause fainting, unless you're terrified of needles, but it's also not going to be akin to getting a massage from a hot nurse.

No, but if they could only find a way to combine the two, just imagine the jump in participation. :p

[PathMaster]

Sissies! We play violent videogames with blood and guts but are afraid of little shots? Did it hurt...I can't remember the last time a shot truly bothered me. The H1N1 shot was a pain in the ass and seemed to bother me (or maybe it was the regular flu shot) but that was after the fact and it was just a sore arm from the vaccine. But the actual shot...even if it did sting it's so quick and the benefit is greater. Just don't look at the needle.

You guys are wimps. You're men for crying out loud!

I did not use a question mark in my previous post. I actually never mind shots, I just look away. The pain may have to deal with who and how the shot was delivered. My regular flu shot made my arm sore for a week, but the H1N1 was fine. Nurse for the FLU shot was unfriendly and a PITA. H1N1 nurse was a local that knows me.

No, but if they could only find a way to combine the two, just imagine the jump in participation. :p

Pleasure and pain..hmm. Brings a little bit of new meaning to a Happy Ending. :p