Hi all. Well since we are all here and looking at infidelity, let's look at the dangers for the BS.

There are many diseases that the BS could get. HIV, chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, syphllis.

Also a couple more - my WH has been diagnosed with Reiter's syndrome, which is a form of arthritis that has been linked with sex.

I have a good friend that is young and dying. He has multiple myeloma. His doctor asked him if he had ever been with a prostitute. Apparently a person can "catch" this devastating disease from a hooker.

For some reason, WS's don't use protection. I have no idea why, but considering our times, it is hard to believe.

Since we are on a topic that I know a little about, here are some facts on a few of the most common STD's. After reading this, you'll know why I hate cheaters.

HPV - HPV is a family of viruses that cause genital warts in men and women. HPV is also known to cause cellular changes that can lead to cancer of the cervix in women. HPV is spread through sexual contact. Genital warts resulting from HPV infection can be found around the anus, vulva, or cervix of women and around the anus and the shaft of the penis in men. Visible warts are usually harder to see in women than in men. However, not everyone infected with HPV will develop warts. It should be kept in mind that while the risk of transmitting the virus is highest when there are visible warts, transmission can be spread when no outward signs of HPV are present. Another thing to keep in mind is that HPV can lay dormant for years. Even in long-term monogamous relationships, genital warts or cervical changes can occur without an obvious infectious event. Because of this, in the presence of warts or cervical changes men and women should be screened for HPV even when no recent transmission risk can be identified.

Genital Herpes - More than one in five Americans-45 million people-are infected with genital herpes.
Symptoms: Most people are not aware they are infected.
Open, painful sores in the genital area, taking 2 to 4 weeks to heal.
Outbreaks come and go, occuring typically about 4 to 5 times per year.
Treatment: There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.
In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners.

Gonorrhea - 62 million cases worldwide.
Symptoms: Inflammation of the mucosa of the birth canal, of the mucous membrane of the throat, and/or of the rectum. Possible complications include septicaemia, arthritis, endocarditis and meningitis.

Symptoms show up 2-21 days after having sex

- Most women and some men have symptoms

WOMEN:

- Thick yellow or white discharge from the vagina

- Burning or pain when you urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement

- More pain than usual during periods

- Cramps and pain in the lower abdomen (belly)

MEN:

- Thick yellow or white drip from the penis

- Burning or pain when you urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement
How is is spread?: - Spread during vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea

- In heavy petting, if the genitals touch, even without going all the way, you can be infected

Treatment:Antibiotics

Chlamydia - 89 million people
Symptoms: There are no obvious clinical manifestations of this bacterial infection. If infection with chlamydia is not properly diagnosed, it can result in sterility in some women or in mother-to-child infection during childbirth, leading to conjunctivitis or eye inflammation in the baby. In men it can cause urethritis with possible infection of the ductus deferens and the testicles (epididymitis).

Symptoms appear 7-21 days after having sex.

- Most women and some men have no symptoms.

WOMEN:

- Discharge from the vagina

- Bleeding from the vagina between periods

- Burning or pain when you urinate (pee)

- Pain in the abdomen (stomach) sometimes with fever and nausea

MEN:

- Watery, white drip from the penis

- Burning or pain when you urinate (pee)


*Spread through vaginal, oral and anal sex with a person who is infected. It is also possible for it to be carried from the hands to the eyes.

Treatment: Antibiotics Without treatment: - You can spread it to your sexual partners.

- Reproductive organs can be damaged, in both men and women; and sterility could result

- Mothers can pass it to their babies during childbirth


Trichomoniasis - 170 million people.
Symptoms: This parasitic infection can lead to vaginitis and vaginal discharge in women. Usually, however, there are no symptoms.
This infection can possibly be in your body for years with or without symptoms.

WOMEN:

- A greenish yellow vaginal discharge with bad odor

- Frequent painful urination

- Inflammation of the genitals

- Sometimes pain in the lower abdomen

MEN:

- Discharge from the penis

- Mild discomfort in the penis

Treatment: Flagyl (metronidazole)

Syphilis - 12 million people
Syphilis is a bacterial infection and the most deadly STD apart from AIDS.
Symptoms: Signs of this bacterial infection range from skin eruptions to complications of the heart and nervous system.
How do you get it?:
- Sexual contact

- Also can be spread by damp wash cloths, towels and bathing suits shared with an infected person.

- These parasites can live outside of the body for hours

Treatment: Penicillin.

NGU - Known as nongonococcal or nonspecific urethritis (NSU), both men and women are affected. Symptoms appear up to 1-3 weeks after having sex, categorized by a yellow or white drip from the penis or discharge or burning in the vagina. It is spread through oral, vaginal or anal intercourse with someone who already has an NGU infection.

Hepatitis - There are many types of Hepatitis (A, B, and C) which are each caused by a different virus. Types B and C are the most dangerous -- usually not fatal, but increase the chances of having liver cancer. A vaccination protects against hepatitis B. Type A spreads through contaminated food, water and fecal matter. Type C can be spread by blood transfusion or by IV drug use.

HIV/AIDS - Known as the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (the AIDS virus), HIV attacks then destroys the body's immune system, leaving its victim open to life-threatening diseases. The period of time for signs of infection to occur (the incubation period) can be from 1-10 years. There is no cure available, and no vaccine to prevent infection. At greatest risk: those who have had other STD's, homosexuals and intravenous drug users. HIV infections are increasing among heterosexuals, especially teenagers and women.

Chancroid - Bacterial infection with sores and swelling, usually in genital area but can be anywhere on the body, in the form of bright red blisters or pimples with ragged edges. Usually ooze pus.

How is it spread?: - Sexual contact or from skin to skin contact with someone who has infected sores.

- Sores may be in other places than the genitals.

- You can get chancroid from a person who has no visible signs of having it.


Pubic Lice (Crabs) - Two types of tiny bugs that share many of the same characteristics. Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are parasites that live in hair. They survive on a host in a warm, dark & moist place like the genital region. Scabies are mites that burrow under the skin in the genital area, chest hair, hands or fingers. Both can be treated by the application of cream to the affected areas. It is important to notify sexual partners because it is highly contagious. Bedding and clothing must be washed in hot water and furniture must also be disinfected.

How is it spread?: Most commonly by sexual contact or other close physical contact

- Possibly by infected towels, toilet seats, bedding and clothing

- Very common if you live in crowded conditions and don't keep clean (bathe or shower daily and wear clean clothes)

<small>[ January 30, 2005, 09:30 PM: Message edited by: CaptialC ]</small>

I went 39 years disease-free! Now thanks to that pesky OW, I have something else to share with her - HPV as well as my WH. Oh Boy! Lucky me!

betrayed by 2,

Just to let you know ... I have the similiar deal. OM gave me HSV via exWW.

She claimed she has Hep-C ... I don't have it, OMexW doesn't have it ... OM claims doesn't have it ... hmmm.

-rh-

Okay, let's talk about STD's...LOL

My husband is very open to suggestion, so I merely "suggested" that he probably had HPV....LMAO, I heard him talking about being tested on the tape I have...ha ha SUCKER!!!!!!!

-Caren

Caren:

I did not like the way you called H a sucker. I wonder if that might have contributed to his A. Just an observation. Once he comes home you will have to control the desire to LB. I know it is hard! I fail al the time myself.

Herpes outbreaks 5-6 times a year? Try about twice a month when I'm not taking suppressive meds. My H. had it from the beginning but LIED to me when I asked him about STDs. I found out when I had my first outbreak... a week after my baby was born. Huge risks for babies if born during when herpes virus is active.

It's rather encouraging to me to hear that others out there have it. I was worried if I finally get divorced, I'd be stuck answering those horrible personal ads for people with Herpes.

Anyway, for those of you who find out you've got a physical reminder of your spouse's infidelity, my heart goes out to you.

I suggest everybody who thinks they could have been given an std to go get testing. Remember breaking down and crying on the desk of a doc who's my buddy about three years ago...He couldn't believe it. Her? But I asked him to test me for everything in the book.

HPV is especially scary to me. Basically it's a one in ten risk right now. Scary as I am single. We gotta be careful folks!

And yes, it would seem they don't use condoms...my x refused to wear one b/c it lowered his "sensation"...Wow! Could that be more clearly? It was all about him. He was a cakeman in bed too. And no wonder he got OW preggers. In the mind of the foggy, it would make them not have as much fun. Never mind if they bring something home to us...or impregnate someone or vice versa.

It's about them.

Now getting tested and living responsibly is about US.

You gotta do it..get tested.

I pray for everybody here that they are healthy and that they have enough courage to go out and ask for a blood test and physical.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by greengables:
<strong>I was worried if I finally get divorced, I'd be stuck answering those horrible personal ads for people with Herpes.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">That was my worries too but I found women that would go to the altar w/ me regardless.

I am off supressive medication a long time ago since I found out that I have to avoid "hot chili" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" /> , grrrr I love "extreme hot burning chili" !!!. I have no outbreak for 2+ years and counting.

CarenMC,

there is no test for HPV unless you have sore/blisters.

-rh-

Redhat, 2+ years? I must have too much stress in my life. I've taken myself off the meds for a while. I don't think there are a lot of long term studies on regular usage.

But, every two weeks, I'm angry as a hornet at my H. I just don't know if I can get over it. I was victimized. And he risked my daughter's life!

greengables,

Certain foods could trigger the outbreak, mine is Chilli. I could chew those mexican chilli <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> ... my doctor told me to stop that and try to get off the medications. It works but WS robs me out of one other source of pleasure in my life. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" /> .

Stress and tiredness could also trigger it. I rather take maintenance doses than 7 days of large doses very 2 weeks. Also check for HPV, make sure that your doctor take the swipes to the lab.

I could share your feeling about WS !. Actually OMexW didn't figure it out either until her gynocologist told her, 18 years in M. She was the one who warn me about it but it was too late.

-rh-

I'll watch for foods, but I'm pretty certain it's stress and physical/hormonal. Aside from going back to school full time and having to worry about money, in the last two weeks I've got stress from:
1. Starting MC AGAIN- round 5!
2. Step-bro suicide
3. Other side step-bro 30 day in-house treatment for drugs and psychological issues.
4. Flat tire and new tires
5. H's brain CAT Scan and possible neurological issues.
6. a test
7. Two speeches

Not to mention being a mom and keeping the house together. Hmm. I'm a wreck.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by greengables:
<strong>I'm a wreck. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">No, you are a very strong woman. Round 5 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> . {{{greengables}}}.

-rh-

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by greengables:
<strong> Herpes outbreaks 5-6 times a year? Try about twice a month when I'm not taking suppressive meds. My H. had it from the beginning but LIED to me when I asked him about STDs. I found out when I had my first outbreak... a week after my baby was born. Huge risks for babies if born during when herpes virus is active.

It's rather encouraging to me to hear that others out there have it. I was worried if I finally get divorced, I'd be stuck answering those horrible personal ads for people with Herpes.

Anyway, for those of you who find out you've got a physical reminder of your spouse's infidelity, my heart goes out to you. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Sadly, there are a FULL 25% of people in this country who have Herpes and DON'T EVEN KNOW IT. I imagine for MOST PEOPLE the psychological trauma of Herpes far outweighs the physical burden (although twice monthly outbreaks is pretty bad). Any way you slice it, it sucks.

I am very saddened to see that your Husband KNOWINGLY let you have a pregancy and vaginal birth without letting you know and take precuations if need be. This is something that I could personally never forgive. Kudos to you for forgiving him and recovering. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Cheers

LM

<small>[ January 31, 2005, 09:49 PM: Message edited by: lemonman ]</small>

Could someone please tell me how soon one can be tested for STD's after a known exposure? Is there a waiting period and if so how long? Is it different for different diseases?

Ugh.

C

Herpes and HPV have a waiting period. I'm not sure if there's even a test for the Herpes virus. And someone said no test for HPV. Stinks.

LemmonMan, we're NOT in recovery. We're in counseling. And I'm not sure if I can forgive him. I could never forget that he jeopardized an innocent life because he was afraid of rejection and personal pain.

Back to STD's. My sister got a HPV so badly she had to have some sort of local injections. I think they were just starting on the market at the time, about 15 years ago. She claimed Hot Tub at the time, and I've never been able to go in a hot tub since. Of course, now I wouldn't 'cause I don't know if I could infect others. Not worth the risk.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by greengables:
<strong>She claimed Hot Tub at the time, and I've never been able to go in a hot tub since. Of course, now I wouldn't 'cause I don't know if I could infect others. Not worth the risk. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">You have to have outbreak for HSV and HPV to get it swiped and send to the lab. There are no acurate tests.

Hot Tub ? LOL!!!. Probably she was having s%x in the tub to get it. The hot water would of kill it. You have to have a direct contact to your body.

-rh-

Ok, I am probably going to sound like a stupid idiot for asking this, but here it goes: My H DID wear a condom. He and the OW actually planned their first encounter, and she NEVER had sex without a condom, b/c she had an abortion at 15. Anyway, she did perform oral sex on him, and he said her geniltes did touch his unprotected for a "moment". Now, knowing all that, what am I really at risk for getting? I told him that he needed to go get checked out as part of his "punishement". He needed to feel that embarassment of telling his doctor what he did. I am very worried about this, so any info you can provide would be a help! Thanks!

There is a blood test for herpes. It's called the Western Blot you can do a google on it and get info. You can look for the Remington Clinic in Seattle and get info from them.

You are also at risk for STD's even with a condom on it is not 100% protection. Sorry. Please get checked.

Get tested as soon as you find out there is ANY possibility of exposure.
Get tested again in 6 months or if you have ANY symptoms.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/

<small>[ February 01, 2005, 11:27 AM: Message edited by: Chris -CA123 ]</small>