Archive for the ‘Facts and Fallacies’ Category

By Angela Perin

Unless you’ve been living in isolation for the past 1 – 2 years, you would have found it almost impossible to avoid hearing about the risk of cervical cancer, and the two new HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) that have now been introduced as a prevention strategy against this disease.

In a revolutionary age where media campaigning has tremendous power and potential to infiltrate thinking and ideas on national and global scales, distinguishing fact from emotion becomes a confronting, yet subtle dilemma.

The platform for the introduction of these 2 new HPV vaccines onto the worldwide market has been on the basis of the threat and risk of cervical cancer, and has presented the same dilemma to potential recipients of these vaccines.

The problem is, although facts are a far more logical basis on which to make such a decision, emotion is often a far more powerful motivator for action or compliance in situations where health is the prime factor. And in this situation, the fear of cervical cancer has formed a very solid basis for the HPV vaccine campaigns.

There’s certainly no question that cervical cancer disease ‘can” and ‘does‘ have serious (sometimes fatal) outcomes. However equally so, ‘any”medical procedure, artificial drug, pharmaceutical product or vaccine by its very nature also carries with it varying degrees of risk – both temporary and permanent. This includes the HPV vaccines.

The unfortunate truth is that the bulk of media campaigning and information disseminated to the public has avoided, disguised or cleverly side-stepped pointing out the facts and health risks associated with the actual vaccines, which to date have included (but are not limited to): loss of consciousness, paralysis, Guillain Barre Syndrome, hospitalisation, permanent disability and death.

The questions any female or parent (of daughters) considering this vaccine needs to ask themselves are these:

• ‘Is’ cervical cancer as widespread and as serious a health risk as portrayed in media campaigns and by our health authorities?
• Is it merely coincidence that solid media campaigns against cervical cancer disease have been hand-in-hand with the introduction of these vaccines?
• Have all the facts regarding all the risks of both the disease and the vaccine been accurately revealed?

The challenge for any potential recipient, is in identifying the true facts about the risk of cervical cancer versus the associated risks and benefits of the vaccine. Unfortunately, many recipients of these vaccines have based their decision on limited information provided in media campaigning that has ignored ‘all’ the facts – resulting in decisions made on emotion rather than sound logical judgment.

Tragically in many cases, the associated health risks of the vaccine has resulted in more devastating and irreversible outcomes than an actual cervical cancer diagnosis. As challenging as it might be, you owe it to yourself to research the facts before deciding whether or not these vaccines are of benefit, and whether these benefits outweigh any potential risks.

By basing your decision on fact, not fear, – your decision will be an informed one, and the one that’s right for you in your individual situation. Whatever you decide, make it an informed one.

Author Bio: Angela Perin is author of the highly regarded and newly published book ‘Cervical Cancer Vaccine: The Truth’ – an essential, fully referenced guide for every female and every parent of young daughters. Together with her husband Dennis [author of 'Vaccination Truth: The Shocking Facts Parents Aren't Told & Why!'], Angela shares a passionate interest in health, and remains a firm advocate of informed choice and revealing the truth. Angela is mother to 3 beautiful daughters and supports every individuals’ right to make their own choices based on questioning and fact, not fear or on mass compliance. Read Angela’s full free report at: http://www.cervicalcancervaccinetruth.com

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The fact that lipstick isn’t on the collar isn’t necessarily good news. The culture and climate of today’s sexual practices make lipstick on the collar antiquated.  So in plain language the new place to look is below the belt line.

Oral sex isn’t quite the rage, but it is a growing practice. This is especially true when looking at the sexual practices of the younger generation. Women and men are closing the gap of sexual behavior, and expectations. Many women now are not as tied to the emotional connection, and delight in pure physical contact.

This is good as far as women being able to explore their sexual natures. It is one of the most liberating periods of time for women. Labels that were once reserved for women that enjoyed their sexuality have just about dissipated.

All this is good and fair. But, with sexual freedom comes responsibility to oneself, and ones partner. There is very little that is free in life. Everything has an emotional and physical component. Oral sex is fair game for both sexes. So are the STDs that may come with the practice.

Argumentally, the practice of oral sex is considered to be less risky and intimate then intercourse,  Sex doesn’t come down to semantics, it is a human experience that should be practiced with thought and caution.

How to Avoid Cervical Cancer Using Natural Methods

By Alvin A Tan

Part of taking care of a woman’s health is to have a regular Pap test, it is also known as Pap smear test. It’s a simple process of checking if there are any changes in the cells of your cervix. According to studies there are natural methods that a woman can simply follow to help avoid the main causes of cervical cancer. Below are some methods that may serve as a guide:

• Strengthen your defenses by eating cabbage. According to studies consuming cabbage and other closely related vegetable helps in fighting cervical cancer-infected cells. It also strengthens the immune system. Eating other vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower will also be a big help, but overcooking is not recommended.

• Strengthen the immune system by simply reading. It is no longer a secret that experiencing chronic stress produces harmful effects in a person’s health. It is highly advised to forget problems in our life at least ten (10) minutes each day by reading entertaining books. According to studies it can lower stress levels up to sixty eight percent (68%).

• Eat high folate rich foods. People who have a low intake of folic acid in their bodies are more prone to have pre-cancerous injuries. According to written articles by some experts, people with inadequate intake of vitamin B causes the cervical membrane to become weak and easily be infected by viruses that attacks the cells in a more faster rate. It is highly advice to consume folate rich foods like fortified breakfast cereals, spinach and asparagus.

• Maintain the health of your tissue by drinking green tea. Green tea is known to be a good source of antioxidant which fights cancer cells. One may protect herself from the threat of cervical cancer by consuming few cups of green tea every day.

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Birth control pills keep giving long after the thrill is gone.

The research shows this to be true.

In the January issue of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, researchers have published a new investigation measuring sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) before and after discontinuation of the oral contraceptive pill. The research concluded that women who used the oral contraceptive pill may be exposed to long-term problems from low values of “unbound” testosterone potentially leading to continuing sexual, metabolic, and mental health consequences.

Some of the negative side effects include an increased risk of cervical cancer, blood clots, heart attack, stroke, weight gain, high blood pressure, bladder problems, and migraine headaches. Long-term use of synthetic hormones also causes the body to lose important nutrients such as B2, B6 and B12. Some women have reported an increased incidence of depression while taking birth control pills.

Birth Control Low libido

Is the growing number of women complaining of low libido is tied to birth control pills? It sure looks that way according to the science. Now, we have a market for prescriptions that help with low libidos. Pharmaceutical companies sure keep themselves busy working the public.

In the 1960’s most people thought that the birth control pill would liberate most women’s sex drive. Now, the thinking has shifted with doctors concerned that it may actually lead to low libido, and even sexual dysfunction.

In this new study of female sexual function, researches that women who used a hormonal method of birth control such as oral contraceptives had both lower levels of sexual desire and arousal.

“To our knowledge, this is the largest study in which the effect of hormonal contraception on sexual function has been evaluated. We had a large and homogeneous group, and our results lead us to believe that hormones may indeed influence sexual function,” says Alfred Mueck, who directs the Center of Women’s Health at the University Hospital of Tübingen in Germany and is one of the study’s authors.

This was a study of 1,000 female medical students living in Germany. It was a questionnaire study.

Although this is one study, there are research doctors that have seen this effect in their patients.

This is a hot button topic, because both women and men are going to be affected by the female’s sexual response.

HPV Infection In Men

HPV infection in men causes numerous health problems. Most of the information in the media focuses on women. Since this virus increases their risk of getting cervical cancer.

HPV FACTS

Men it turns out have a fair amount of risk. There is the pervasive idea that HPV poses minimal treat to men’s health, while it could dramatically affect women’s lives, it can affect men’s in a smaller dose. The question is how many people does HPV have to affect to receive and cultivate an interest?

HPV is probably as common in men as in women. It is not as easily diagnosed in men as in women. Genital HPV is mainly passed to men through vaginal and anal sex, the same way it is in women.

There is no approved test available to detect HPV in men. While women have the Pap test, there are no tests to detect HPV-related cancers in men.

HPV infection in men can increase a man’s risk of getting genital cancer. Cancer of the penis is not a common cancer. However, anal cancer is now almost as common in men and women who have anal sex as cervical cancer was in women before the introduction of the Pap test.

ANAL CANCER

Anal cancer is on the rise in both sexes. Research by author Lisa G. Johnson PhD, statistical-research associate in Fred Hutchinson’s Public Health Sciences Division, found the incidence rates of anal cancer have increased significantly in the past 30 years, jumping 160 percent in men and 78 percent in women.

This number can also be expressed as 1 in 624 men and women will be diagnosed with cancer of the anus, anal canal, and anorectum during their lifetime

In a study led by epidemiologist Janet Daling, Phd, a member of Fred Hutchinson’s Public Health Sciences Division, tested for the presence of human papillomavirus or HPV in both blood and tumor tissue. It also measured livestyle factors associated with the disease such as smoking, sexual orientation, number of partners and history of anal penetration. Having anal fistulas (abnormal openings) also increases the risk.

“We found that infection with HPV is necessary in most if not all cases of anal cancer, as close to 90 percent of the tumors studied were positive for the virus,” said Daling, a pioneer in studying the link between HPV and anogenital-cancer risk.

GENITAL WARTS

Like women, men do not have symptoms with HPV unless it is the type that causes genital warts. These warts can appear around the anus, on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thighs.

Genital warts are the first symptom that you may get with low-risk HPV strains that cause warts.

Genital warts can go away on there own, and it takes awhile for all warts to appear. If you start treatment as soon as they appear you may need other treatments later on.

HPV CONSIDERATIONS

ORAL CANCER

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), published a study that links papillomavirus (HPV) to an increased risk of a kind of oral cancer seen more often in men.

The study shows that men and women who reported having six or more oral-sex partners during their lifetime had a nearly nine fold increased risk of developing cancer of the tonsils or at the base of the tongue. Of the 300 study participants, those infected with HPV were 32 times more likely to develop this type of oral cancer than those who did not have the virus. This type of oral cancer is more prevalent in men.

According to John Hopkins’ researcher Dr. Maura Gillison, who worked on the study: “When you look at the cancers associated with HPV in men-including penile cancer, anal squamous cell carcinoma, oral cancers-it’s very close to the number of cases of cervical cancer that occur in the U.S. in women every year. We need to adjust the public’s perception…that only women are at risk.”

Men are both carriers and recipients of the HPV virus, and currently have some of the same risk as women. Men can’t afford to be complacent about HPV infections. Their risk may be different, but to assume that there is no comparison to a women’s risk is unfounded.

To find out more information about HPV Virus in Women, you can follow this link.

Cervical Dysplasia And HPV Infection

CERVICAL DYSPLASIA

Cervical dysplasia is the presence of precancerous changes of the cells that make up the inner lining of the cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus. A Pap smear is taken during a pelvic exam, and a microscopic analysis of the cell sample will show any sign of cell change.

Squamous intraepithelial lesion is the term used to refer to cervical dysplasia observed in smears of cells taken from the cervix. When cervical dysplasia is seen in a biopsy of tissue rather than a cell smear, it is referred to as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Squamous refers to the type of cells lining the cervix, intraepithelial refers to the fact that these cells are present in the lining tissue of the cervix.

CERVICAL DYSPLASIA CAUSES

Cervical dysplasia is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most new infections occur in young (ages 15-25) women. Over 75% of sexually active women are thought to become infected with HPV some time in their life. Most HPV infections do not produce symptoms and resolve over time.

However, some HPV infections persist over time rather than resolve. Persistent HPV infections may lead to the development to genital warts, precancerous changes (cervical dysplasia) of the uterine cervix, as well as cervical cancer. HPV is the one factor that is always present. Other factors may determine if a woman who has the HPV infection goes on to develop cervical cancer.

The HPV types that cause either genital warts or mild dysplasia are the “low risk;” (HPV-6, HPV-11).  The “high-risk” HPV types (HPV-16,HPV-18) are associated with severe dysplasia and cervical cancer.

HPV is transmitted by sexual contact and the risk of infections increase with the number of sexual partners. This also increases the chance of being infected with multiple types of HPV infections. Cigarette smoking, and a suppressed immune system is known to increase the risk for HPV induced dysplasia and cancer.

Things that suppress the immune system are co-infections such as HIV, heavy alcohol consumption, stress, and poor nutrition.

CERVICAL DYSPLASIA DETECTION

Since dysplasia is not typically associated with any symptoms, detection is the only protection once you harbor the infection. Regular cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear and pelvic examinations are the front line of defense.

Most sexually active women will not know if they have an HPV infection. Since most women have been exposed to an HPV infection, it may be critically important to get a Pap smear done yearly.

HPV And Male Circumcision

There a few studies that suggest that male circumcision may assist in the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Particularly in association with the high-risk subtypes associated with cervical, penile, and other cancers. These studies have been published in The Journal of Infectious Disease.

High-risk subtypes of HPV have been estimated to be present in 99.7 percent of cervical cancers worldwide. It has been shown that women with circumcised partners have a reduced risk for genital cancer.

A COMPELLING CUT

Male circumcision presents some compelling evidence for the practice. However, it may not be a practical solution. The toughest challenge is this isn’t a popular solution nor does it entirely prevent HPV infections.

The compelling evidence consists of two studies; one was carried out by Bertran Auvert MD, PhD, and his team of researchers in France and colleagues from South Africa. In this study uncircumcised men aged 18-24 years old where randomized into either intervention group, to be circumcised, or a control group to remain uncircumcised. During the study, urethral swab samples were collected and tested for HPV. This group was followed for 21 months. All information about their sexual activities was also collected.

Dr. Auvert and colleagues’ found the percentage of high-risk HPV genotypes were lower in the control group. More importantly was that a reduced frequency Of HPV infection reduced the risk of exposure in their female partners.

The second study was by Carrie Nielson PhD, at the Oregon Health and Science University and colleagues at the University of Arizona, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They tested more than four hundred men aged 18-40 years in two U.S. cities during 2002-2005. Sixteen percent of participants were uncircumcised. What was found is that circumcised men were half as likely to have HPV as uncircumcised men.

This finding is not at all surprising since consistent evidence has suggested that male circumcision reduces the frequency of HIV infection in men.

HPV ANSWERS

There is no one conclusive answer to HPV prevention. All that can be expected is to find many avenues to curtail the spread of HPV infections. At this time there is no one magic source, but rather a continuum of different approaches. Rather than watchfully waiting it is best to peruse all directions that offer practical and unique solutions. The ultimate answer will be in applying multiple modalities for a holistic approach to HPV prevention.

Spermicides Help HPV Infection Take Hold

Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that either immobilizes or kills sperm before they enter the uterus. Spermicides are sold as over the counter products.

Spermicide sold in the United States contains the chemical nonoxynol-9, which kills sperm. As a birth control method it isn’t particularly effective. It is used some of the time with a condom, contraceptive sponge or cervical cap to prevent pregnancy. Spermicide doesn’t offer protection from sexually transmitted infections.

SPERMICIDES HELP HPV INFECTIONS TAKE HOLD

“Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 may enhance the ability of HPV to take hold in the genital tract, at least in animals,” says researcher Jeff Roberts, MD. A postdoctoral fellow at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. The study appears in Natural Medicine.

Roberts and his colleagues first pretreated one group of mice with the spermicide and another group with an inert substance, then exposed both groups to the HPV 16 virus, this is one of the high-risk HPV virus that can cause cervical cancer. A third group, not exposed to the virus or other substances, served as a comparison group.

“One hundred percent of those exposed to nonoxynol-9 got infected” with HPV, Robert tells WebMD. The mice exposed to the inert substance were not infected.

The evidence has shown that spermicides can cause inflammation of the skin which may make acquisition of sexually transmitted infections easier

Nonoxynol-9 seems to compromise the barrier effect of the cells lining the genital tract while not inactivating the virus in any way” says Roberts.

Nonoxynol-9 seems to compromise the barrier effect of the cells lining the genital tract while not inactivating the virus in any way” says Roberts.

“There is some evidence that the spermicides can cause inflammation of the skin, which may make acquisition of sexually transmitted infections more likely,” Wyand says.

CARRAGEEN HPV INHIBITOR

Researchers have discovered a potent inhibitor of the human papilloma viruses (HPV), in Carrageen. In laboratory tests, carrageenan, a compound derived from red algae, prevented HPV infection particularly the types that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

Carageenan inhibits the infectious ability of genital HPV with nearly a thousand-fold greater potency that other inhibitors tested.

CARRAGEENANS SECRET

 

Carrageen can become the most potent weapon against HPV infection. Knowing how it works will instill confidence in both the medical practitioner and consumer.

Carrageenan, is a type of sulfated polysaccharide extracted from red algae, which turns out to be an extremely potent infection inhibitor. It works for a broad range of sexually transmitted HPVs. Although carrageenan can inhibit herpes simplex viruses and some strains of HIV in vitro, genital HPVs are about a thousand-fold more susceptible.

Carrageen acts by preventing the binding of HPV virions to cells. Carageenan is in widespread, commercial use as a thickener in a variety of cosmetic and food products, including sexual lubricants. Some of these products block HPV in vitro, even when diluted a million-fold.

LABORATORY TESTS

 

In laboratory tests, by the National Cancer Institute Christopher Buck, the lead author of the study and post-doctorial fellow searched for candidate inhibitory compounds by looking for substances that were structurally similar to a key cell surface component involved in HPV infection.

In laboratory tests, carageenan, proved a winner. “We were floored by how much better it worked than anything else we have tested, “It’s effective at 100-fold lower concentration than the next inhibitor we’ve found,” said Dr. John Schiller, senior at the National Cancer Institute.

Normally, HPV attacks cells by attaching to proteins on their surface and then chemically manipulating access to the cells. Carrageenan thwarts this process by attaching to HPV and prevents its entry into cells.

THE FUTURE

 

To prevent and treat HPV will depend on personal responsibility, and products that can deliver protection.

In the world of nature there are many of the most powerful agents that are fresher, cleaner, and stronger at defending us from infection. Staying healthy is sometimes about going green. Effective alchemy comes from the planet’s ability to deliver and our ability to discover its treasures.

It seems that Carageenan is one of nature’s treasures that can expand the options for preventing an HPV infection. Diminishing the possibilities of contracting an HPV infection, would address a growing concern. An ideal candidate for that role would be a carrageen based product.

FRENCH KISSING OPENS THE DOOR TO HPV

In the world of germs, viruses, and infections nothing seems innocent enough. As we ponder the world we live in we see the caution sign popping up everywhere.

ORAL SEX AND OPEN-MOUTHED “FRENCH” KISSING

Oral sex and open-mouthed “French” kissing have something in common the risk of acquiring oral infections. A study shows that there is a risk of acquiring the human papillomavirus, or HPV, through both actions.

Mouth HPV infections are silent, but can lead to oral cancer 10 to 20 years later. Gillison from The Ohio State University, Columbus, and colleagues explored if

sexual behaviors were associated with the odds of oral HPV infection in 332 adults and in 210 college-aged men. They found that 4.8 percent of the adults, and 2.9 percent of college-aged men had oral HPV infection.

For 28 percent of college-aged men who reported never having performed oral sex, having at least 10 lifetime or at least five recent open-mouthed kissing partners was associated with a significantly higher risk of developing HPV infection. This is when a kiss is not just a kiss.

“Our data suggest that oral HPV infections that could predispose to cancer may be transmitted by very common behaviors such as open-mouth or “French” kissing,” Gillison concluded.

HPV THE SPOILER

Oral and pharyngeal cancer is the sixth most common malignancy reported worldwide and with high mortality ratios among all malignancies. In the U.S. there are about 30,000 cases of oral or pharyngeal cancer a year. The 5-year survival rate hasn’t improved much in the last few decades. It stands around 50% at this time.

HPV is a virus that can cause warts and cervical cancers, including endometrial cancer in the uterus. According to a study conducted at the Malmo University Facility of Odontology in southern Sweden, that compared 132 patients with month cancer with a control group of 320 healthy people, Rosenquist found that 36 percent of the cancer patients were carriers of HPC while only one percent of the control group had the virus.

The main factors that contribute to month cancer, which is usually seen in middle aged or older men, are smoking and alcohol use. “But in recent years the illness has been on the rise among young individuals and we don’t know why. But one could speculated that the virus (HPV) is one of the factors,” Rosenquist said.

These findings confirm other international studies. Human Papilloma virus has been linked to 30-40% of oral cancers.

At present about 95 percent of oral cancers occur in those over 45 years of age.

An alarming tread points to younger people getting the diseases who don’t smoke or drink, due to specific strains of HPV.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, HPV-linked oral cancer is the fastest-growing segment of the oral cancer population.

TREND

French kissing is a popular type of kissing. The trend is not likely to change in the near future or even ever change. What is going to be needed is ways to engage in some so called sexual risky behavior with caution, and look into ways to reduce the risk. Needless to say sex is not going to disappear, and neither are the consequences.

What will change is the landscape where options will be available that can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted conditions.