—JM

Dear JM,

Let’s start with the emotion that has propelled you to write — your anxiety. I can understand it. It is real for you. But trust me when I say “take a chill pill.”

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a contact sexually transmitted infection (STI). Yes, you heard me right — it’s an infection, not a disease.

HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection, and there are multiple strains or types. Most do not cause any symptoms or health problems, and it goes away on its own.

In fact, only about four strains are known to cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

Since most types of HPV do not cause any symptoms or problems, it is likely that if you were infected, your body will clear the virus on its own at some point. It is thought to be spread so readily because it is transferred through direct skin-to-skin contact with an affected area during sex.

You used a condom, and that can be an effective way to protect yourself. Although a condom might not cover all areas that could be affected by HPV, if used consistently and correctly, a condom will most definitely help with protection from infections transferred through bodily fluid, such as chlamydia and HIV.

Also remember just because you may have been exposed to something (in this case, HPV) doesn’t mean you will contract it.

Although there are screening methods available for women, there is currently no HPV test for men.

However, routine visual inspection of genitalia may alert you if something is abnormal.

You also mentioned wishing you stayed a “virgin.” Although that is a complicated term too loaded with meaning and emotion for me to comment on here, I will say that choosing not to involve yourself in any type of sexual expression is always a decision you can make at any point in your life.

You need to remember that acquiring an STI is not a verdict of being sexually active. It is a logical and possible consequence of certain risky behaviors while being sexually active.

As for getting “drunk” and having sex — hmmm, let me think about that one — OK, DON’T!

Although I don’t see a problem with those who agree to use alcohol in the context of a consenting sexual relationship, I do see a problem with those who use it as a “way” to sex.

As I close, I want to wish you wellness for the year, keeping in mind that there are some decisions that should be approached with more serious thought.

Peace, luv dove.

— Dr. D.

Dennis Martell, Ph.D., is a coordinator of Olin Health Education. E-mail him your questions at dennis.martell@ht.msu.edu.