I am a bisexual 27F. The first time I went to the gyno a few months after becoming sexually active, I received an ASCUS pap result and reactive positive HPV (age 24). I went back for further testing & was told everything looked good, & I could come back in 3 years. My partner was clear.

Fast forward a few years & I completely forgot about the HPV & became so terrified that I could spread it to people that I went to the first gyno that could take me. During that time, I had sexual activity with one girl but kept my jeans on (if not partially unbuttoned; she did not touch inside). My pap came back normal, but the doctor did not test me for HPV because of my age (frustrating!)

Now for the question(s), could I have possibly given this girl HPV even though my genitals were never exposed (& should I tell her?) Should I find a new doctor who will test me? Or should I let it go because it is not recommended for people under 30 to test? I just don’t know if I should be disclosing anything!

Your history is typical of HPV-related ASCUS.  Most of the changes resolve without therapy and do not recur although there may be occasional brief asymptomatic shedding of the virus from time to time.  Person’s whose detectable HPV becomes non-detectable rarely transmit infection to others.  Even more importantly for you, HPV is not transmitted through clothing, even when the cloth becomes wet with genital secretions.  I would not worry about having transmitted HPV to the partner,you describe.

Regarding HPV testing, I’m suprised that your doctor would not test you if you had requested testing.  I don’t think there’s a rush but getting tested should not be a problem and should be done at some point in the future. 

I hope this information is helpful. EWH

And finally, if the other person was unclothed even though I was clothed, should I still not worry about the (assuming dormant?) hpv spreading? And can you explain what “asymptomatic shedding” means?

Even if you and a partner are unclothed, there is little or no risk of transmitting dormant HPV.

The term “ dormant”:refers to the fact that despite your HPV no longer being detectable, using sophisticated research tools not available in regular practice, inactive HPV DNA can be found in persons who have had HPV which is no,longer detectable with routine testing.  Occasionally the inactive DNA reactivates and is transiently .detectable again.

Finally I should point out that at this time, most of your partners should have been vaccinated for HPV.  Given your apparent concern, perhaps that is something you should discuss with partners.there is a,good,chance the response would be reassuring.

You have one follow up,remaining.EWH 

I guess as a final question, I did receive the HPV vaccinations and my partners who I’ve discussed this with have as well. That said, I am assuming what I tested positive for is one of the strands that is not covered by the vaccine? I.e., not one of the two that cause most cancers?

As you know, we provide up to 3 responses to each client’s questions.  This is the 3rd response so the thread will now be closed.  Take care.  EWH