I am a 33 year old male who recently got into a new relationship (3 months ago). She is only the second woman I have had unprotected sex with. I feel we are deeply in love with one another and that's why I am keen to get your guidance. I am relatively educated about STIs but seem slightly confused. 

About 3 weeks ago I noticed a cauliflower shaped bump on the shaft of my penis. The following day I noticed a similar bump in my pubic hair. After a few days of rubbing I managed to remove the bump on my pubic hair but the bump on the shaft of my penis remains.  Both me and my partner got tested before we started having unprotected sex so I am unsure as to how I have contracted this ( I have been faithful and I am sure she has too). Its quite clear to me I have genital warts. Now, my ex did have HPV but I haven't had sex with her for over 2 years and never had symptoms like this before. 

1) Is it possible that I contracted hpv from my current partner ? If so when/ how did she get it ? She hasn't informed me of any symptoms. Her previous sexual partner was her ex and they broke up 9 months ago.

2) If I got this from my ex why is it showing up now? Years later ? 

3) How can I speak to my current partner about this ? My worst fear is being accused of being unfaithful when i haven't been or indeed realising she has been unfaithful to me. 

I am really confused at present. Information on HPV online seems contradictory, regarding how long it last and whether it can reoccur.

Thanks 

Jawad

Actually, your questions back then may be pertinent to your current situation and questions. You say here that you've only had one unprotected sexual experience other than the new one, but as we discussed back then, there was at least one in addition to your ex partner. In addition, your stipulation of "protected" suggests you have had other, condom-protected exposures, right? Condoms are poor protection against HPV, because of the opportunity for substantial skin exposure. If you've had an average sexual lifestyle, regardless of condoms, there's at least a 90% chance you have had HPV, probably more than once; and HPV infections can persist for months or years. The same may be true of your current partner:  if she has had an average dating lifestyle, it's fair to assume she also has had her share of HPV infections. Same for her ex partner -- so between the two of you, there has been plenty of opportunity for HPV infection and it is likely you both are carrying HPV (as for most healthy adults).

From your description, I agree it is likely you have genital warts, and the timing (2-3 months into your new relationship) is consistent with HPV acquired from your partner. However, your warts could be due to delayed reactivation of an ongoing infection, which is quite common. Your partner should be on the lookout for warts, and may wish to see her gynecologist for an internal exam, for evidence of either visible warts or HPV detection by Pap smear. Whether or not she is found to have an active infection, probably you'll never know when and from whom you acquired your warts. And at this point it really doesn't matter:  you can safely assume you and your partner are sharing an HPV infection, and nobody is at fault. 

To your questions:

1) Discussed above.

2) The reasons for delayed reactivation of HPV are not known. In rare cases, it's the result of immune deficiency. However, if you are otherwise healthy, this is a very unlikely explanation in your case.

3) Most sexually active women these days are aware of HPV and would be understanding of this situation. Depending on her age, probably she has had Pap smears, in which case she has been tested for HPV. It also sounds like you have a solid, mutually loving and respectful relationship. A sensitive but frank discussion is in order. You probably will find it goes pretty well. You can start by discussing my comments above, or even showing them to her.

By the way, it was a mistake to rub away the wart in your pubic area; please don't try it for the penile warts. Best to see a knowledgeable health care provider to confirm the diagnosis and start on proper treatment. You might want to do this before you have the discussion with your wife. 

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

HHH, MD

You are right. I did have an the exposure to the lady who I met before my ex. I took on board your advice then and always used protection from there on (until Iet my ex). 

You are correct in the sense that in between my previous and current relationships I had condom protected exposures to vaginal sex. 

You response has made things much clearer for me. Essentially this could be an exposure from me to her (based on my previous sex life ) or her to me (based on her previous sex life).

I will show her your response as way to start this conversation with her. She is aware of HPV because she has regular pap tests - I am unsure actually what the result would have been of her most recent pap test. 

Thanks once again. 

"Essentially this could be...":  Exactly right. I'm glad you understand.

It sounds like the prospects are good for a mutual understanding between you and your partner. Good luck with it. Thanks for the thanks; I'm glad to have helped.