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Did you just find out you have HPV? One of the first things many newly diagnosed individuals wonder about is who they got the infection from. If you’ve been in a committed, monogamous relationship, you may be worried that getting HPV means cheating has occurred. However, that’s usually not the case due to the nature of the virus. Once you learn more about this sexually transmitted infection (STI), you’ll understand how HPV in monogamous relationships doesn’t prove that someone has been unfaithful. How Common Is HPV?HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. It’s so common, in fact, that most sexually active men and women get at least one type of genital HPV at some point in their lives. Even people who are vaccinated can still get HPV since it only protects against certain strains of the virus. How Long Can Someone Have HPV?HPV latency is one of the most important things to understand regarding this STI. Usually, the immune system is able to suppress the infection on its own. However, some persistent HPV types can remain dormant in the body for many years before reappearing. HPV persistence can continue for up to 10 to 15 years, often without producing any symptoms. Therefore, someone could potentially carry the virus for a decade or more without realizing it. Does HPV Mean Cheating?It can be upsetting to wonder, “I have HPV, does that mean my husband cheated?” or “My wife has HPV, did she cheat on me?” However, due to HPV’s potentially long latency period and how widespread HPV is, it can be incredibly difficult to determine the source of someone’s infection. Even if you’ve been together for years, your partner may have become infected prior to that. If the two of you have been together for a while and neither of you were aware of an HPV diagnosis before, it’s hard to tell whether your partner gave it to you or if you gave it to your partner. While you may not be able to rule out infidelity, there’s no reason to trust your partner less because you found out you have HPV. Encourage open and honest communication in your relationship to avoid conflict over your HPV diagnosis. In addition, you can use condoms to lower the risk of passing HPV to a partner. Sources
In a monogamous relationship diagnosis of HPV infection usually creates a problem in the couple’s relations. Once the infection is diagnosed in one of the two partners, the other partner worries about the possible existence of a third person. Discovery however of HPV infection simply means that this person was infected sometime during his or her lifetime. No one can know exactly when or by whom. Furthermore, no one can know which of the two partners infected the other (except in the case where one of the two had no prior sexual activities). February is the month for love. People are thinking about flowers, chocolates and moments with their special someone. But at the Vaccine Education Center, we often get questions about something less carefree that couples deal with — human papillomavirus, or HPV, and the questions don’t arrive only in February. Couples deal with HPV diagnoses throughout the year. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD). In fact, most people will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives. For most, the infection resolves, and they don’t know they were even infected. But for those who develop genital warts or an HPV-associated cancer, the finding can come with not only the emotions of such a diagnosis but also accusations of being unfaithful. So, during this month for love, see what you know about HPV and find out why an HPV diagnosis should not be considered evidence of cheating. Q. 1: How does HPV spread?
The answer is E, all of these. While most people realize that penetrative sex can spread HPV, they may not realize that genital-to-genital exposure can also spread the virus from one person to another. French kissing may also spread the virus, but this occurs less commonly. Regular kissing, including kissing one’s children, would not be likely to spread the virus. Because this virus replicates in cells that line the surface of our oral (e.g., throat) and genital areas (e.g., anus, cervix, vagina), these cells can be physically disrupted, leaving viral particles on surfaces that may touch susceptible areas of the other person during intimacy. Q. 2: Does a condom prevent spread of HPV?
The answer is C, maybe. Condoms can decrease your chance of being infected with HPV, but they are not foolproof. First, they do not cover all areas that may be infected with HPV. Second, the virus can be transmitted without intercourse. Q. 3: What kind of infection does HPV cause?
The answer is D, two of these. Both B and C can occur. Most people experience a relatively short-lived infection (months), but some people experience a persistent infection in which the virus replicates for years, or even decades, in their cells. Over time, persistent infections can cause cellular changes that lead to cancer. Q. 4: Which of these individuals can be diagnosed with an HPV-associated cancer?
The answer is E, any of these people. People can be infected with HPV without having sexual intercourse. The likelihood of exposure increases with the number of partners a person has, and HPV will often spread early in a relationship as the person is newly exposed to the virus. While cancer doesn’t typically develop until years later, the infection is typically spread early during the relationship. Likewise, even during a new relationship, someone could be diagnosed with cancer resulting from a persistent infection introduced during a previous relationship. Finally, even if someone has been in a long-term, exclusive relationship, they or their partner could have a persistent infection that leads to cellular changes resulting in cancer. This is why an HPV-associated cancer diagnosis should not be viewed as evidence of cheating. Q. 5: If a person is exposed to HPV while performing oral sex, which of their cells may the virus infect?
The answer is A, cells in their mouth or throat. If the only intimacy was oral sex, the virus would likely only be found in their oral cavity as the HPV virus does not spread through the bloodstream. However, if there was other intimacy (e.g., genital-to-genital), even without intercourse, additional areas, like the anus or reproductive tract, could be exposed. Q. 6: Which of these people could benefit from getting the HPV vaccine? (Choose all that apply.)
All of the answers apply (A-D). Any of these individuals could benefit from the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine protects against 9 types of HPV; however, it does not protect against types to which one was previously exposed. For this reason, HPV vaccine is of most benefit prior to initiation of intimate relationships, which is why it’s recommended for all 11- to 12-year-olds. In fact, the vaccine can be given as early as 9 years of age. Those younger than 15 years of age also only need 2 doses instead of 3 doses. The second dose should be given at least 6 months after the first dose to build a robust immunologic memory. Those 15 years and older require 3 doses. The second dose should be given 1 to 2 months after the first dose, and the third dose should be at least 6 months after the first dose. The vaccine cannot treat an ongoing infection, but even after someone has been intimate, it is unlikely that they were exposed to all 9 types of HPV that the vaccine protects against. People younger than 27 years of age are recommended to get the HPV vaccine if they did not get all recommended dose or if they missed getting it at a younger age. Those 27 to 45 years of age are recommended to discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider. In the answer provided here, a 44-year-old in a long-term monogamous relationship may decide not to pursue vaccination; however, it is important for adults younger than 45 years of age to be aware that the vaccine is not approved for use in those older than 45. Since people are living longer and may be intimate with new partners later in life, this group could still potentially benefit from vaccination. Get more infoIf you want to learn more about HPV infection or vaccination, check out the VEC’s dedicated page, prevent-HPV.org, which has answers to almost 100 HPV-related questions. These questions have been submitted to our team over time and have been de-identified and added to sections of the page related to HPV infection, pregnancy, testing and treatment, and vaccination. If you don’t find your question, simply email us by using the form on the webpage. Download a PDF version of this article. Can you get genital warts without cheating?People can be infected with HPV without having sexual intercourse. The likelihood of exposure increases with the number of partners a person has, and HPV will often spread early in a relationship as the person is newly exposed to the virus.
Does HPV mean partner unfaithful?Having HPV does not mean that a person or their partner is having sex outside the current relationship. There is no treatment to eliminate HPV itself. HPV is usually dealt with by your body's immune system. HPV does not stop you having a normal sex life.
How did my husband get genital warts?Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus is passed on through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV on their skin. It can be passed from person to person during vaginal and anal sex.
How have I got HPV in a long term relationship?You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms.
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My boyfriend has genital warts did he cheat
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