I am 42(F). I was tested for HPV back in December 2024. I tested positive for HPV 18. I know this is a high risk strain of HPV that can cause cervical cancer in women and penial cancer in men. Right after I was found positive I found this site and it helped me a lot to deal with my upset/scared feelings about it. I have had a few male sexual partners since my positive diagnosis. When I was with these men I wasn’t really thinking there was a risk of them potentially getting cancer from contracting HPV 18. Now I know there is that risk and I am feeling extremely guilty that I did not disclose my HPV 18 diagnosis with them. I only feel guilty of not disclosing because it is HPV 18 a strain that can cause cancer. I know that it says many times on here that most everyone ends up with HPV, but how many really end up with HPV 18? Should I feel guilty for not disclosing my HPV 18 diagnosis since it can put men at higher risk for cancer than other HPV strains? I’m feeling really guilty. Thanks for your response.

Going first to your closing questions:  HPV 18 is one of the most common types; probably millions in the US have (or have had) genital area HPV 18 infections. And even with the type 18 and other types designated as high risk, the large majority never develop cancer. As for disclosure to partners, there really is no reason. You can assume your sex partners have been at risk for HPV and undoubtedly exposed and perhaps infected with HPV 18 as well as other HPV types, both low- and high risk. No single exposure significantly raises his risk of eventual infection.

At age 42, probably your HPV infection as not newly acquired. Beyond age 30-35, most newly detected HPV infections by Pap smear result from reactivation of distant past infection. In other words, you might have acquired it in the year or two prior to the abnormal test result, but probably not. And there's no way to know.

HPV, including infection with high risk types, should be viewed as a normal, expected, unavoidable consequence of human sexuality. It should never be a source of shame or guilt:  this isn't your fault, and you have done no harm to your partners by not mentioning it to them. That's not to diminish their importance. But aside from vaccination, there really is no way to prevent infection. In any case, the vaccine isn't generally recommended at your age.

Follow your doctor's advice about follow-up, especially if your pap smear was abnormal (in addition to the HPV test result). But all things considered, you are at very low risk for a serious health outcome from it, and so are your sex partners.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

So you do not feel there is a reason to disclose the HPV 18 to a potential future partner? Even before I know if my body has cleared the virus?

And maybe this is a dumb question but, it is possible for me to pass HPV 18 to a partner through them giving me oral sex right?

Thanks again.

Your doctor's management of your abnormal pap and HPV sound typical. LSIL/CIN 1 rarely progress to more advanced stages and watchful waiting for a year is the usual plan.

Disclosure of HPV or other STIs has two rationales. One is health protection. From that standpoint, there is little if any need. But the other rationale is a relationship issue. Many potential partners, perhaps most, would hope and expect to be informed; and many couples discuss their past sex lives, including STI histories, with their partners -- as a measure of trust, respect and caring.

Oral sex is low risk for HPV transmission; there probably is little risk for oral infection for a partner who participates in cunnilingus with you. But nobody can say the chance is zero, either for vaginal or oral sex.