size of the Human Papillomavirus - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

mcretella · 06-16-2009, 07:33 PM

Does anyone know the size of HPV as compared to that of a typical male sperm?

Pickle Eyes · 06-16-2009, 08:28 PM

Interesting question, though I'm curious as to why you are asking about the size comparison. HPV is transmitted by skin to skin contact, not through body fluid (much less by/on/with sperm).

I had to do some research, but this is what I found. I don't know how accurate it is.
I couldn't find the size of HPV, but found information on ebola virus and rhinovirus.
The Ebola virus is 200 nanometers. Rhinovirus is about 20 nanometers. Human sperm is about 3 microns wide and range from 5-7 microns long.

1000 nm = 1 micron

May I ask why you want to know the sizes?

mcretella · 06-20-2009, 03:14 PM

I know condoms decrease STI transmission. I am trying to understand what a decreased risk in transmission means in terms of clinical protection for a given individual. Latest research suggests that consistent and correct condom usage MAY decrease the risk of transmission of HPV by 50% (which does not translate into a specific degree of protection for a given individual, as I understand it).

Condoms fail to protect against pregnancy 20% of the time. All viruses are thousands of times smaller than sperm; so the chance of condom failure for a given individual having sex with an infected partner must be significantly greater than 50% -- ESPECIALLY for HPV which is transmitted by skin to skin contact and may involve an area not covered by a condom. Given the size discrepancies, using condoms to "block" transmission is a little like covering yourself with a moth-eaten cloth - better than nothing, but not exactly "protection."

What do you think?

MC

Pickle Eyes · 06-20-2009, 08:12 PM

I don't know how it translates into clinical terms, but I think the condom can offer *some* protection against transmitting HPV (assuming one person doesn't have that/those strain(s) of HPV. I think the more partners (for sexual activities, not just intercourse) one dramatically increases one's chances of ending up with at least one strain of HPV. And it only takes one strain of HPV, unchecked by the body, to wreck havoc.

Assuming a person has more than one sex partner in life, using a condom offers some protection against many things people would like to be protected against. So, yes, I think using a condom is prudent, especially if one has more than one sex partner in life - until one finds a partner with whom one chooses to swap all viruses, infections, risk pregnancy, etc.

I think many (most?) people think a condom will protect them against all (literally, ALL) kinds of sexually transmitted "things." . Unfortunately, that is a huge mistake in thought.

mcretella · 06-21-2009, 10:04 AM

I agree. Thanks.

MC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pickle Eyes

I don't know how it translates into clinical terms, but I think the condom can offer *some* protection against transmitting HPV (assuming one person doesn't have that/those strain(s) of HPV. I think the more partners (for sexual activities, not just intercourse) one dramatically increases one's chances of ending up with at least one strain of HPV. And it only takes one strain of HPV, unchecked by the body, to wreck havoc.

Assuming a person has more than one sex partner in life, using a condom offers some protection against many things people would like to be protected against. So, yes, I think using a condom is prudent, especially if one has more than one sex partner in life - until one finds a partner with whom one chooses to swap all viruses, infections, risk pregnancy, etc.

I think many (most?) people think a condom will protect them against all (literally, ALL) kinds of sexually transmitted "things." . Unfortunately, that is a huge mistake in thought.