[Question #9366] Male exposed to high risk HPV strain - What future partners need to know
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33 months ago
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I am a man who was recently sexually active with a woman who tested positive for a high-risk strain of HPV. The woman found out after getting a pap smear during a routine Gyno appointment a couple of days after we had sex for the first time. Due to the timing, she and her doctor believe she contracted the virus from her other partner.
The pap results came back as "LISL." "The specific HPV "type" or strain is unknown, just that it is high risk.
Before the results came back, we had sex two more times. Each time we used a condom. But I also gave her oral sex, and there was some exchange of vaginal fluids to the penis by hand. So it is likely I contracted the virus.
My question is, what do my future partners need to know? I recently got back together with my partner, but we have not had sex because we are looking for clarity on this issue.
Specifically:
- What are the likelihoods I am now a carrier and that I would infect them if we had protected sex or performed oral sex?
- Is it correct that the high-risk strain that I might have is not likely to show symptoms but instead pose a threat because it could lead to cervical cancer?
- What is the likelihood that if the woman contracts HPV from me, it will lead to cervical cancer for her?
- How long before I likely "clear" the virus?
- If they get vaccinated, how much does their risk go down after the first dose in the series?
About me:
- 32-year-old male
- Non-smoker
- Athletic, no known health conditions
About my partner (future partner, the one with whom I have not had any form of sex with yet)
- 34-year-old female
- Non-smoker
- In very good health
Any help would be extremely appreciated. Thank you!!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
33 months ago
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Welcome to our Forum and thanks for your questions. I’ll be glad to provide some information.
HPV is a widespread infection which is innocuous in the vast majority of infected persons. About 80% of sexually active persons will acquire HPV and in nearly all ( over 98%) the infections are self-limited and resolve without treatment over a period of less than 3 years. Even monogamy does not protect- about 60% of women with a single sex partner will acquire HPV within 2 years on initiating sexual activity. Thus it is not suprising to find that your partner is infected a. It is also likely that you’ve been infected by past partners as well. Basically, just about everythone has HPV or will get it and as long as women follow routine screening guidelines and men seek evaluation for visible genital lesions, the infection and it’s rare consequences will not be a problem. ( The term “high risk” is a relative term. The HPV typos referred to as “high risk” spontaneously resolve In over 98% of cases).
Given the ubiquity of HPV infections and widespread misunderstanding, while we encourage discussions between prospective partners, we do not feel disclosure is essential. Further, in such discussions, it is reasonable to ask if your partner is vaccinated against HPV as the vaccine is recommended Abd highly effective.
I suggest you take a look at other threads on HPV on this forum as well as the excellent information provided on the ASHA website for free.
We provide up to three responses to each client’s questions. Let me know if anything is unclear but look at the information sources I’ve suggested first. EWH
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