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• September 17, 2008 2:56 a.m.

  My partner and I have the HPV virus and ever since the first outbreak almost 2 years ago, we still continue to have them. We have tried every treatment out there and still they appear. Is there something else we can do?

  - Janet

• September 16, 2008 2:37 p.m.

  Louis, will you personally be helpful answering any question regarding Herpes. . . ? Thks

  - Robin

• September 15, 2008 10:17 p.m.

  Dear Rebecca, The amount of time you should wait before getting tested depends on the infection. A urine test or cervical culture for gonorrhea and chlamydia can be done 2 weeks after you have had unprotected sex. Same with blood tests for syphylis. Wait 3 months before you get a blood test for HIV. In the meantime, use a condom so you don't pass any bacteria or viruses on to new partners. Next week I will be addressing ways to promote safer sex. Stay tuned.

  - Lois McGuire

• September 15, 2008 9:25 a.m.

  I was infected with genital herpes 8 years ago but have had very few outbreaks. I have now spread the virus to my husband. Since he found out about it all, our sex life has decreased drastically. I am feeling very emotional and sad lately, feeling very unattractive due to all of it. My question is: When we both have no symptoms, is it okay to have oral sex? Is there a risk of then getting sores around the mouth? We are happily married, have a healthy new born daughter...When we have intercourse, should we always be wearing a condom? We both already have it so...? ~PLEASE ADVISE~

  - unknown

• September 15, 2008 8:24 a.m.

  I dont seem to see any response to issues raised by people in this blog. Do you send personal response or is it just for public consumption?

  - Chidi

• September 15, 2008 6:26 a.m.

  I had intimate contact with someone who wasn't wearing a condom. How long do I need to wait before I can get tested to make certain I didn't catch an STD? What is likelihood I could have given him a yeast infection if I got one a few days later?

  - Rebecca

• September 14, 2008 12:52 a.m.

  I actually have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with. I'm 60 years old and married to the same man for 34 years. In 2002 I was told I had HPV My husband claimed he had been with no one but me since we met. Then in 2005 he told me he had "intimacies" with a woman he worked with. Later he told me that was inaccurate, that he had merely gone to her home where she had made advances towards him that he avoided at which point she took off her pants and underpants and sat beside him, trying to put her arms around him, but only touching his arms and shoulders with her hands for no longer than two minutes before he got up and left. He claims he was fully clothed at all times. My doctor has since told me I no longer test positive for the HPV infection. My questions are as follows: Could I have gotten the infection and carried it since we were first intimate 30 years ago and then it went away within the last couple of years? What are the chances he got the infection without intercourse or direct touching on the genitals? I've asked these questions of my doctor, but his answers are vague.

  - catherine

• September 13, 2008 7:08 p.m.

  Way to go Mayo Clinic. You are addressing an important part of ones "healthy living" . Lois your comments are going to be very helpful. Can't wait to read more.

  - Bob

• September 13, 2008 10:31 a.m.

  I'm glad that there is a site finally that addresses this issue. I hope others will add to this and we can all learn the things to enjoy the safe way.

  - Geo