[Question #13298] Concerning HPV and Multiple Partners

17 days ago

I (♂) have 2 sexual partners, C (♀) and W (♀). C was recently diagnosed with high-risk HPV. C and I have had penetrative sex with a condom several times prior to their diagnosis. I have not had any penetrative sex with W, though we have performed oral sex and mutual masturbation together. Both C and W are vaccinated for HPV. I myself have received 2 of 3 HPV vaccines since C's diagnosis, with the 3rd supposed to take place in December. What risk of transmission is there from me to W when it comes to various forms of sexual activity? Let's assume that I am an HPV carrier even though there are no tests that can confirm this. How risky is penetrative sex with a condom as compared to mutual masturbation as compared to oral sex as compared to kissing? Are there other forms or risk reduction that can be taken? By extension, what sexual activities can I continue to share with C that are low risk for transmission. How risky is kissing as compared to mutual masturbation with barriers as compared to having penetrative sex with a strap-on? What are the best ways to respectfully and safely maintain intimacy between these 2 relationships?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

17 days ago

Welcome to our Forum. Thanks for your questions. I'll be glad to comment. Congratulations on being vaccinated for HPV. Following 2 of the 3 recommended injections vaccine recipients are fully protected- the 3rd injection strengthens and prolongs the immune response. You may have been infected with HPV prior to your vaccination but the fact that W is vaccinated greatly reduces any risk that you will infect her with an HPV type contained in the vaccine which is the vast majority of high risk HPV types, as well as the two types which cause over 90% of visible genital warts.

In your situation, I do not feel strongly that there is a need to abstain from sexual contact. This is particularly the case if you have both shared information about your sexual histories, , vaccination status, etc. as seems to be the case. While HPV could theoretically be transmitted in the course of mutual masturbation, is is rare and the vast majority of genital HPV is transmitted in the context of unprotected intercourse. Condoms use reduces the risk of transmission about 50% but for persons who are vaccinated, the benefit is quite modest and we do not feel strongly that it is needed if there are no other reason (i.e. pregnancy risk, etc.) Kissing is not a meaningful means of HPV transmission.

I hope this information is helpful. If there are further questions, please feel free to use your up to 2 follow ups for clarification. In addition, we provide access to past interactions regarding HPV and HPV risk on the site and I would encourage you to review some of those previous interactions where we have answered numerous questions about HPV transmission and disclosure - just click on prior interactions with the title HPV in them. There are hundreds of them . I would encourage you to review some of them for additional information as well. EWH

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