DEAR ABBY: As an OB/GYN advice nurse, I address many concerns about STDs. It is estimated that more than one in 10 adults have the HPV virus. Once this virus is contracted, it never goes away.
The warts that the HPV causes may come and go. It is difficult to determine who transmitted the virus because the incubation period may be more than a year. Also, the first outbreak may be mild and go unnoticed. Often a male gets the warts behind his scrotum where they can go undetected for a long period of time. Thus, this virus may be spread innocently.
The most worrisome fact about HPV is that it is spread by skin-to-skin contact. This means a condom will not necessarily protect one from this sexually transmitted disease. There is no cure, but the warts may be removed when outbreaks occur.
Genital herpes is another virus that is spread by skin-to-skin contact. No condom will help if the lesions are not covered completely by the condom. It is important to know that a cold sore on the mouth is also the herpes virus. During oral sex this virus can spread to the genitals and vice versa.
In the heat of the moment, all rational thought tends to go out the window. Not only teen-agers, but adults as well should be aware of what the consequences may be.
Insisting on a complete physical exam for a new partner before beginning a sexual relationship -- and getting the result in writing -- is really the only safe sex. -- MYRENE GROSCOST-RANTA, R.N., WESTLAKE, OHIO
DEAR MYRENE: That's true. And individuals who are not assertive enough to insist on it should abstain from having sex. To do otherwise is to play "STD roulette."