An excerpt from a reader’s email:

Hey Lena -

I’ve been reading about your HPV experiences and I wanted to write and tell you that I was diagnosed with it last… fall (maybe?).  I completely freaked out.  I thought no one would ever want me because I have/had an STD - but a friend helped me realize that it’s VERY common (which you know).  She also told me that it’s not worth telling future partners about because it doesn’t usually do anything to men, nor can they be tested for it (which I think is ridiculous) … Anyways, I wanted to know - do you think it’s worth telling future partners about beforehand?  I’m still waiting for mine to clear itself up - I just had a Leep Conization 6 weeks ago to have a cyst (thanks to the HPV) removed - though it was benign thankfully.  Anyways, you’re not alone!

[redacted]

This is exactly why it’s important for people (people, not just women) to be more open about their experiences with STIs. On one hand, openly admitting that one has a highly stigmatized condition is an invitation to criticism and ostracization, but on the other, it’s crucial for the health of our friends, partners, and the general public. That’s the first step toward dispelling myths about STIs (namely the myth that only “certain” people — promiscuous women, gay men, etc. — contract them) that lead to ignorance and a sometimes fatal sense of immortality. The truth is that we’re all susceptible to STIs, and anyone who ever plans on being sexually active is probably going to get HPV.

In regard to the reader’s question about transparency, I responded:

I personally think that disclosure is always the best route, if only because it raises awareness and ensures that everyone is a bit better informed about HPV. (Besides, if I wind up getting a cancerous strain, that’s something my partner should know so he can tell his next partner.) I know that there are plenty of people who might react badly, but those are probably not the kind of people you’d want to be with anyway.

But even if someone does react badly, perhaps they’ll be more understanding next time around, since one of their future partners is bound to have HPV as well.

P.S. IUD appointment tomorrow, and this time, it’s a sure thing (fingers crossed!) Stay tuned for the liveblog/tweets.