I recently was diagnosed with low risk HPV/genital warts.  I am currently undergoing treatments at a dermatologist with cryotherapy and Aldara and have been seeing success with reduction in numbers and lack of recurrences.  I recently met a new partner and disclosed my situation and we have not been having any sex while she and I both get our Gardasil 9 shots.  I understand most research has shown not much affect for anyone with an existing condition like myself but that it will help prevent me from future infections etc.  My main concern is keeping her safe and not having to deal with this issue, i understand this is a common and non life threatening condition but not a fun thing to deal with by any means.  We are both past our 2nd Gardasil 9 shots and are willing to wait the full 6 months to resume  sexual activity if need be, however, I have come across some information that has said you are essentially protected enough after the 2nd Gardasil 9 shot.  Obviously we would love to have a normal sex life and not wait any longer, and if we resumed i would always wear a condom and pull myself through my boxer briefs to minimize any sort of skin/skin contact.  I would love to hear your expert advice on this situation in regards to this, and if you think it is safe for us to begin sexual intercourse?

Last question for you is when is it safe to presume the body has cleared or suppressed the HPV warts? I know recurrences are common and expected almost when getting cryotherapy etc but ive seen differing opinions on what length of time some doctors or dermatologists would say your body has dealt with the warts.  (ex 3months -6 months of no recurrences etc).

Thank you for all that you do for the community and those who are dealing with difficult times!

You've obviously done some effective research on your own; I agree entirely with everything you say, both in having what I consider an appropriately level-headed attitude toward HPV in general and genital warts in particular, and in your desire to protect your partner.

You are exactly right that protection against new HPV infections is excellent within a month of the second dose of the HPV vaccine. In fact, many public health authorities now are modifying the heretofore official advice about having 3 doses, advising that two is sufficient. There's a bit of uncertainty about it, and I think it make sense to have the third dose, but that's primarily to assure prolonged protection; it probably doesn't improve protection in the first year or two beyond that provided by two doses. If I were in your situation, and if your partner agrees, I would plan on starting the sexual component of your relationship with no further delay.

It is true that warts can recur -- probably most or all HPV infections are permanent, in that HPV DNA persists indefinitely, with the potential for reactivation and redevelopment of warts. However, this is generally uncommon. Most persons treated for genital warts do not suffer recurrences. All estimates of the time required to assure the initial infection is no longer active are just that -- estimates with few if any reliable data. But in your case, I think this is a moot point, given your and your partner's mutual HPV vaccinations.

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

HHH, MD