MikeK
Gold Member
It did occur to me that Douglas deserves credit for such untypical and unselfish honesty in putting forth such a candid warning.[...]
As to Michael Douglas, whether it is Jolie with her double mastectomy, or Douglas with his STD, stars like to 'raise awareness' and try to prevent others from having the same issue they have. They consider that a contribution to society. The Hollywood lifestyle was well known before 'the sexual revolution.' But with the advent of HIV/AIDS, many of them changed their habits. Still, there are plenty of other STDs, some curable and some not as in the case with HPV. Like other non venereal warts, sometimes HPV just goes away, but that is not something you can count on. If you get it, you've got it, and it is contagious.
At my age I have no cause for concern. But for those who are sexually active Douglas' warning makes it worth thinking about who one goes down on.
When I was stationed on Okinawa in the mid-50s, prostitution was the primary recreation. All of the liberty towns consisted of brothels ("bars") and little more. The going rate was 200 yen (around $1.75) and business was brisk.
We (Marines. I don't know about the other branches) had to swallow two penicillin tablets in front of the Duty NCO when drawing our liberty cards and two more tablets when turning it back in. That's how common gonorrhea infections were. The morning line in front of sick bay was sometimes longer than the chow line. Everyone on that line had the "clap" and was getting a penicillin shot.
Back then gonorrhea (clap) was by far the most common venereal disease. Fortunately it was readily curable with three penicillin shots. Syphilis was very rare (I never heard of anyone infected with it). AIDS didn't exist and the Okinawan prostitutes did not engage in oral or anal sex, so the more exotic VDs were unheard of.
Life was indeed simpler (and safer) back then.