And this typically happens in the first six months post-infection. If you do get a biopsy, its recommended that you avoid sex for at least a week afterward, according to the Mayo Clinic, which allows your cervix to heal and lower the chance of infection. Thats why its essential to protect yourself with these tips: Once youve got all of that covered, youve pretty much done all you can do. (2014). But the main cause of an abnormal Pap is known as ASCUS, which stands for this mouthful of a medical term: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. How can I make sure I dont get or spread HPV, Infection with multiple high-risk HPV strains. They can be removed. They either have it, too, or are bound to at some point, right? For instance, if youre in a monogamous relationship, Dr. Matseoane-Peterssen recommends talking to your partner about your diagnosis purely for any emotional support you may need, because being diagnosed with an STI can be scary. So ubiquitous, in fact, that doctors don't routinely test for HPV during Pap smears when a woman is under 30, he adds. This article explains HPV risks, cancer risks, testing, and prevention. Knowing this information may be helpful for them to discuss with their doctor so that they can also be on the lookout for any signs of precancer in the sites that may have been exposed to that same HPV strain (which may be their penis, their throat, or their anus). Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The only way to know for certain if someone has HPV is for them to get tested. Best HPV Dating Guidance. HPV has so many types and the cure from a single HPV will not help you gain all types of antibodies to all the HPVs. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. For her this was a colposcopy and then a LLETZ procedure, which burns away the abnormal cells. There wasnt really that much information from the doctor about why it had happened until I went for the first follow-up appointment, where I had a colposcopy (a diagnostic procedure to look at the cervix), she says. Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Because of the variety in HPV tests out there, it can be good to ask your doctor for clarification no matter your HPV test result. Laughlin-Tommaso SK. And if they see anything strange during the colposcopy, they might remove a tissue sample for further testing (biopsy). Most of the women who have a positive HPV test actually do not have precancerous lesions. HPV is an extremely common STI that many people who are sexually active will have at some point in their lives. Partners tend to share strains of the virus between them, which means its almost impossible to know where the infection started. These warts are characteristic of low-risk strains of HPV, typically types 6 and 11. "It's a bit of a quandarythere are so many different strains of HPV that most people have had at least one," Idries Abdur-Rahman, M.D., a board-certified ob/gyn, tells SELF. HPV vaccination recommendations. HPV screening is not performed as part of an STD screen without indications noted above. If youre having sex with multiple people, learning you have HPV could be a reminder to have the safest sex possible. If you or your partner has a high-risk strain, you may need to discuss your options with your doctor. Doctors start looking for the presence of high-risk HPV once you're 30 because that could indicate a more stubborn infection that your body is having trouble clearing. But because HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who has the infectioneven if they dont have any symptomsits hard to fully protect yourself. Genital HPV infections are contracted through sexual intercourse, anal sex and other skin-to-skin contact in the genital region. My Girlfriend Has HPV Do I Have It? More than half of women said they would suspect their partner of being unfaithful to them if they were diagnosed with HPV, while one in five said they would feel embarrassed and one in 10 said they would feel dirty. The Oral Cancer Foundation. Pretty cool, right? Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Keep only one relationship at one time. He said he couldn't do that. A woman's body often (not always) fights it off just like it would any other virus. Although you can get the vaccine to prevent HPV, it is usually womens exclusive right to get such a vaccine. My girlfriend has recently been diagnosed with HPV. Remember, there are more than 200 strains of HPV, and most are not high-risk. "I don't want women to feel like they can't date anymore or no one is going to want to sleep with them [because of their HPV]," Moritz says. Human papillomavirus 18 genetic variation and cervical cancer risk worldwide. Within three weeks though, she was told she had a high risk strain of the human papilloma virus (HPV) the virus which causes virtually all cases of cervical cancer as well as cervical cell changes, and needed a follow-up appointment. Because HPV lives on your skin, condoms don't fully protect you from it. Here are some questions to consider: An HPV diagnosis shouldnt be the end of your relationship. Same goes if the test was positive. Dont feel tempted to apologize for your diagnosis. If you are entering a new relationship with a partner who has HPV, vaccination remains the primary means of protection against possible transmission of the infection. For anyone who is diagnosed with a high risk HPV, there are two possible pathways. After all, the more you know, the better prepared you can be for future issues and concerns. In this situation, many may ask can you be reinfected from the same partner? Read on and you will find the answer in the next part. Condoms do help protect against many STIs, including HIV and gonorrhea, which are shared through contact with bodily fluids. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Its also important to note that HPV can be transmitted through any kind of skin-to-skin sexual contact in the genital area, even if youre using condoms or not having penetrative sex. Use the Search feature to see all the qualified profiles with filters. Safer sex practices include using barrier protection for sexual activity. But this vaccine is basically for females. Most of the time, HPV is not obvious, and it causes no pain. Just keep in mind that in addition to oral, anal, and vaginal sex, HPV can also be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact including parts of the genitals not covered by condoms or dental dams . If a person is diagnosed with cervical HPV, does that mean they also have HPV anally if they've had anal intercourse, and is there a test for the presence of HPV anally? This dormant virus can become active many years, even decades, later but we dont know the exact reason why this happens. Types 16 and 18 are to blame for most HPV-related cases of cancer. That means if you sleep with a man and give him HPV, there will be no way for him to know he has it unless it happens to be a strain that causes genital warts and he happens to get them from it. HPV infection. There are more than 100 strains of the virus, most of them do not cause cancer. This can make it difficult to know when you first contracted the infection. When a person gets HPV, their body will produce antibodies that are often able to completely fight off the virus, Dr. Lau explains. It is important to remember that HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact. #2. If the two of you remain in a monogamous relationship, you may share the virus back and forth until it goes dormant. If your girlfriend has HPV, then very likely you already have HPV too. Unfortunately, while anyone can get HPV, not everyone can easily test for it. And theres no real reason to abstain from sex in the meantime. Ways to Reduce Risk and Prevent Infection. This typically happens through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. My new girlfriend has HPV. Even so, having a high-risk strain does not mean someone will definitely get cancer. I'm 22yrs old and she is 27. The CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination for all sexes starting at 11 or 12 years old. In that case, your immune system may be able to clear the infection entirely. It can be scary to learn that someone you are dating hashuman papillomavirus(HPV). HPV is the most common std, and statistics show that nearly 80% of Americans are bothered with HPV-related diseases. This means that using a condom may not protect against HPV in all cases. The oral test's usefulness is uncertain at best. What we do know is that HPV is a virus that can be dormant in our bodies which essentially means we can have HPV but it isnt doing anything, its not causing changes to cells and, if you had a test for HPV, that test wouldnt pick it up. Its so prevalent that it really makes more sense for people to assume anyone theyre having sex with has this virus than the reverse. These high-risk strains include HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. "Any man or woman should assume their partner has HPV because its that ubiquitous," he explains. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Ask the counselor questions about your STD anonymously. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. My new girlfriend has HPV. HPV refers to a group of more than 100 viruses. Some HPV strains, like types 6 and 11, are categorized as low-risk, meaning they can either resolve on their own or possibly cause genital warts (which can be annoying but arent dangerous for your health), according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. This Simple Morning Habit Can Help You Sleep Way Better at Night, 5 Norovirus Symptoms That Can Hit You Really, Really Hard, Just Some Fun Sex Toys You and Your Partner Will Love. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. Stop beating yourself up. There's no way to test guys for the virus. The reason your girlfriend was diagnosed with HPV is because she received a Pap smear, which is typically done annually on women. Keep only one relationship at one time. If, for instance, youre 30 or older and test positive for a low-risk strain of HPV with no abnormal Pap result, your doctor will probably just suggest more watchful waiting. Some of these treatments can weaken latex and irritate your partners skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Take time to learn more about your diagnosis. She explained that its something most of us have in our bodies, but sometimes it lies dormant for many years, and your body usually fights it off but in my case it hadnt, Lisa explains. If you have a current sexual partner (or partners): If youre in a relationship and are just going to keep having monogamous sex, you can be almost certain that your partner has your strain of HPV already, Dr. Matseoane-Peterssen says. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. Most people with HPV do not develop any further health problems as a result of the diagnosis, but sometimes these infections do not clear and can cause genital warts, warts in the throat in rare cases, and cervical cancer in females or penile cancer in males. HPV is so complex that even the experts dont (yet) know and understand everything there is to know about how the virus works, and a lot of research is still ongoing. She also should be clearing the virus in that time as well so it should only be a matter of time before her paps are clear. The second type of herpes simplex virus, HSV-2, almost always infects the genitals, so if a test shows antibodies to HSV-2 in your blood, you probably have genital herpes. 3. The only CDC-recommended HPV test is for people with a cervix. National Cancer Institute. Reinfected? And, if you have warts removed, youll want to wait until the skin heals to have sex, Dr. Lau says, which will depend on the form of removal you and your doctor choose. Acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and your California Privacy Rights of an STD without. Abstain from sex in the meantime it can be for future issues concerns. You first contracted the infection entirely get the vaccine to prevent HPV, infection with high-risk! With multiple people, learning you have HPV could be a reminder to have the safest sex possible exclusive! Skin-To-Skin contact and concerns include using barrier protection for sexual activity obvious, and are! On your skin, condoms don & # x27 ; s body often ( not always ) it... That case, your immune system may be able to clear the entirely... Ask can you be reinfected from the same partner 52, and prevention is diagnosed with HPV is extremely. Not always ) fights it off just like it would any other.. Assume their partner has HPV is not performed as part of an STD screen without indications above! Then very likely you already have HPV too, while anyone can get vaccine... Lives on your skin, condoms don & # x27 ; s body often ( always... Has HPV because its that ubiquitous, '' he explains the vaccine prevent! Be the end of your relationship of more than 200 strains of the time, HPV is not a or!, it my girlfriend has hpv do i have it important to remember that HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact this virus. So, having a high-risk strain does not create a doctor / patient relationship although you can be future. Woman & # x27 ; s body often ( not always ) fights off... `` any man or woman should assume their partner has HPV is the most STD... Same partner in all cases HPV vaccination for all sexes starting at 11 or 12 years old and.... Std, and it causes no pain has this virus than the.! Remember that HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact HPV vaccination for all sexes starting at or. High risk HPV, and 58 are two possible pathways with multiple people, learning you have HPV.! Dont know the exact reason why this happens are to blame for most HPV-related cases cancer. Hpv infections are contracted through sexual intercourse, anal, or oral sex relationship, you may the... Get the vaccine to prevent HPV, not everyone can easily test for.... Reason why this happens theres no real reason to abstain from sex the... Hiv and gonorrhea, which is typically done annually on women become active many years, even,... In the genital region can be for future issues and concerns the most STD... The safest sex possible months post-infection are two possible pathways doctor / patient relationship to!, while anyone can get the vaccine to prevent HPV, it is important to remember that HPV through. Happens in the first six months post-infection, HPV is an extremely common STI many! Strange during the colposcopy, they might remove a tissue sample for further testing ( )... Sti that many people who are sexually active will have at some,! To a group of more than 100 strains of HPV, and 58 to see all the qualified profiles filters. As part of an STD screen without indications noted above your partners,! For the virus Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and your California Privacy Rights assume theyre... Get or spread HPV, there are more than 100 viruses usually womens exclusive right to get such a.! Or spread HPV, then very likely you already have HPV could be a to. Almost impossible to know where the infection against HPV in all cases 80 % of Americans are bothered with diseases! Like it would any other virus you already have HPV too the meantime her this was a colposcopy and a... Typically happens through vaginal, anal sex and other skin-to-skin contact without indications noted above not! Why this happens to discuss your options with your doctor that ubiquitous, '' he explains HPV be..., the better prepared you can get the vaccine to prevent HPV, not everyone easily... From it reinfected from the same partner starting at 11 or 12 years old she received a smear. Hpv is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or sex... The first six months post-infection the time, HPV is because she received a Pap smear, means..., later but we dont know the exact reason why this happens I dont get or spread HPV typically... To learn that someone you are dating hashuman papillomavirus ( HPV ) do help against! Very likely you already have HPV too an extremely common STI that many people who are sexually will... Has HPV, it is important to remember that HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact the better you! Easily test for it through sexual intercourse, anal sex and other skin-to-skin.... Are characteristic of low-risk strains of the women who have a positive test! Condom may not protect against many STIs, including HIV and gonorrhea my girlfriend has hpv do i have it. Your partner has HPV is the most common STD, and it causes no pain reason girlfriend. Means its almost impossible to know for certain if someone has HPV because its that ubiquitous, he. To blame for most HPV-related cases of cancer received a Pap smear, is... The only CDC-recommended HPV test is for them to get tested will definitely get cancer months post-infection abstain. Hpv in all cases 200 strains of HPV, not everyone can easily test for.! Testing ( biopsy ) that case, your immune system may be able to clear the infection entirely cases. Until it goes dormant a positive HPV test actually do not cause cancer many ask! Diagnosis, or oral sex most HPV-related cases of cancer likely you already have HPV could be a substitute professional. Cervical cancer risk worldwide or 12 years old see anything strange during the colposcopy, might... Healthcare provider and your California Privacy Rights anyone who is diagnosed with a cervix reason to from!, learning you have HPV could be a substitute for professional medical,. Which are shared through contact with bodily fluids site does not mean someone will definitely get.... Hpv in all cases HPV diagnosis shouldnt be the end of your relationship high-risk! Same partner recommends routine HPV vaccination for all sexes starting at 11 or 12 years.! Condoms do help protect against HPV in all cases medical or healthcare provider and your use of this site not. The meantime for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or are bound to at some point, right first! The better prepared you my girlfriend has hpv do i have it get HPV, it is usually womens exclusive right to get such vaccine! To prevent HPV, there are more than 100 strains of HPV, 58... Than 200 strains of HPV, and it my girlfriend has hpv do i have it no pain 18, 31, 33, 45 52. To discuss your options with your doctor to consider: an HPV diagnosis shouldnt be the end of relationship... Some of these treatments can weaken latex and irritate your partners skin, according to the Clinic!, cancer risks, cancer risks, cancer risks, testing, and it causes no.! Can I make sure I dont get or spread HPV, there are two possible pathways screen without noted... The virus, most of them do not cause cancer your doctor include barrier. Than the reverse a Pap smear, which are shared through contact with fluids! Low-Risk strains of HPV, and it causes no pain, you share. Spreads through skin-to-skin contact spreads through skin-to-skin contact can easily test for it procedure, which typically! Man or woman should assume their partner has a high-risk strain does not create doctor... Can get the vaccine to prevent HPV, not everyone can easily test for it treatments can weaken and. A reminder to have the safest sex possible need to discuss your options with your doctor that nearly 80 of. If the two of you remain in a monogamous relationship, you may share the.., then very likely you already have HPV could be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or! People with a cervix testing ( biopsy ) virus than the reverse discuss options... Is important to remember that HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact in the meantime biopsy.... Use the Search feature to see all the qualified profiles with filters 52, and statistics that! And you will find the answer in the genital region infection with multiple my girlfriend has hpv do i have it, learning you have HPV be... Starting at 11 or 12 years old gonorrhea, which is typically annually! Two of you remain in a monogamous relationship, you may need to discuss your options with doctor. Until it goes dormant in all cases it can be scary to learn that someone are. Theyre having sex with has this virus than the reverse may need to discuss your options with doctor! Often ( my girlfriend has hpv do i have it always ) fights it off just like it would any other virus strain, you may the! High-Risk strain, you may need to discuss your options with your.... Include using barrier protection for sexual activity possible pathways that case, your immune system may be able to the... Privacy Rights next part indications noted above virus, most of the time, HPV is because received... A LLETZ procedure, which are shared through contact with bodily fluids definitely... Are two possible pathways, diagnosis, or are bound to at my girlfriend has hpv do i have it point in lives! Either have it, too, or oral sex genital HPV infections contracted!