I work in a sexual health clinic...ama

[Hereandthereandeverywhere]

Go for it! Nothing is too much

Yup! We do it all

Just wanted to say, you sound really nice. I’ve mostly had excellent experiences at sexual health clinics but there have been a couple of times I haven’t. You are giving off good vibes!

I think the ‘most people catching it from someone not showing symptoms’ is mainly from those unaware they have the infection (which is basically the vast majority of people with genital herpes, since they don’t actually test for it in screenings) who are ‘asymptomatic’ but the likelihood is they actually do get some form of unnoticed or mild symptoms and therefore don’t recognise when they are actually very contagious. For people aware of their condition, avoiding sex during outbreaks and taking precautions means the risk is very, very small (although still worth discussing with partners!) I completely agree though that OP appears to be peddling a lot of misinformation! 80% statistic is HPV, a completely different infection to HSV 🤔

I think it’s important for us all to remember that although the OP comes across as very nice and helpful, we don’t actually know her/his qualifications, and some of her/his statements seem questionable. Please always check with an actual medical professional if you have questions.

We run twice monthly vaginismus clinics which are ran by specialists, we also offer counselling for the psychological aspect.
For coils, we use a numbing spray for every fit. We can also do a cervical block (same injection dentists do), we also offer gas and air. Many people find the fit easier with us than with the GP, probably because we fit coils all day every day!

Does HPV cause rectal cancer?

This statement applies to 99% of mumsnet threads!

But particularly important when medical advice is being offered.

It can. Which is why we offer men who have sex with men the hpv vaccine

What's more common, gay men or hetero men?

In terms of what?

I used to work in an NHS sexual health admin unit. In the 2010s there were a couple of investigations (and resulting policies) related to rising STI cases in the over-60 age group. Is this something that's still being studied and responded to?

You are judgemental:

You literally told someone who challenged your use of “cis” “YOU are the problem”

Why is it so hard to get tested for mycoplasma?

Do you see many children under 16?

Do they get referred on to someone in case of abuse or any other undesirable issues?

Do you report cases to the police?

I presume you would be asking symptomatic service users to have testing in person, given postal/home kits would not screen for mycoplasma genitalium. In my understanding home kits are suitable for lower risk people without symptoms of STIs only.

Because, generally, it self clears so no treatment is needed. Unless with certain symptoms or a known contact within 2 weeks

We do see under 16s. They always get assessed by a health advisor to go through safeguarding bits before being seen by a clinician. We don't routinely refer to the police but will in certain, extreme, situations. The idea is to be open to all ages and create a safe space

That's true too, regarding silent carriers!

But if you are aware you have it, and appear to be not infectious/have no symptoms, you could still transmit the virus as people shed the virus without symptoms up to 3% of the time.

So as you say, low risk, but NOT without risk, and a sexual partner deserves to be able to make an informed decision about that risk. I imagine most of the time they'll be fine with it, but morally speaking, they need to be informed!!

OP's misinformation on multiple issues could lead to people being overly casual and blase, and is hugely inappropriate.

This IS an AMA, so:

Why are you giving out incorrect and irresponsible misinformation about STIs, OP?

And your information is incorrect; a quick look at studies and reputable sources, or even Google, I imagine, will show that.

So, why?

Have treatments for HPV become any better in the last few years or is it still that watery blue topical stuff that's impossible to apply accurately? I know of someone who gets flare ups every so often and finds it massively distressing and it does worry me that the treatment often doesn't even seem to work from what she says.

I think in very conservative communities it happens sometimes. I went to a school that had a very high population of Orthodox Jews, and it was apparently common among young women in that community.

Thank you for your kind words. It is a difficult job but I do get a lot of job satisfaction being able to treat and help people at really difficult moments in their lives.
I am really sad this post has been derailed by mumsnet vultures and I also won't join the trans debate.
Please remember that sexual health staff treat every single person they see with dignity, whether you like the language they use or not.
I will however suggest anyone who's has Herpes to use The Herpes Virus association for support. They know Herpes inside out and also run a wonderful helpline.
https://herpes.org.uk/

Women who don't want the term cis women used or challenge the idea that trans women can be assumed to be same risk level as biological women for rape and sexual assault are labelled 'vultures'!! So very professional

Can I ask a personal question, not sure if that's what this thread is for so please ignore if so!

Ive been with my partner for 16 years, never had sex (oral or penetrative) with anyone else. I went for a smear a few years ago after my first baby (pre baby have had smears that were negative). This smear came back with hpv positive. My understanding is that hpv can live undetected for many many years but I do wonder if that could be the case in this situation ? After 10 plus years ? My partner has had one previous sexual partner as a teenager. Ive had another smear since and am now hpv negative. I guess I am just looking for some answers as my practice nurse wasn't the most clear.