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HPV Prevention
I am a 25 year old male dating a girl who has HPV. I have heard that 80% of people get HPV anyway, but I am wondering about two things.
1. Since I know I don't have HPV and I have the opportunity to get the HPV vaccine like Gardasil, is it worth it?
2. Does the HPV vaccine make me immune to the virus?
3. This is the big one. If I do get the vaccine does that eliminate the possibility of oral/penile cancer and warts from HPV?
The reason I ask the third is because I know HPV can be transmitted via genitals or orally. So I would like to know that we can have sex, give each other oral, and kiss each other without any risk of warts or cancer.
1. Since I know I don't have HPV and I have the opportunity to get the HPV vaccine like Gardasil, is it worth it?
2. Does the HPV vaccine make me immune to the virus?
3. This is the big one. If I do get the vaccine does that eliminate the possibility of oral/penile cancer and warts from HPV?
The reason I ask the third is because I know HPV can be transmitted via genitals or orally. So I would like to know that we can have sex, give each other oral, and kiss each other without any risk of warts or cancer.
I got hpv (genital warts) from having sex with my ex-boyfriend. I had gotten the gardasil shot and we ALWAYS used condoms. I got it within 2 months of having sex. You are definetely at risk if you proceed, but the warts are benign growths. The worst part is the emotional aspects of realizing that you have genital warts. No real health risks. As for the more high-risk strains that cause cervical cancer, you can become infected, and then be a carrier to any other potential sexual partners you have. So thats when you have to think about how much you like her. If things don't work out, you might be giving a future partner/wife cancer..or warts. To me, cancer is worse, but warts isn't any fun either.
Yes, it is a real bummer the vaccine only protects women and they also do not test males for hpv.
To start with, what type of hpv does your gf have? If she has a high risk strain (type that has potential to cause cervical cancer) then you wouldn't get any warts, but yes, there would be a VERY slight possibility of penile/oral cancer. But from everything I have read, the chances are so low they are practically non-existent. In fact, doctors may not even advise you to protect yourself from oral cancer if your partner has hpv.
If she has a low-risk strain of hpv (the type that causes genital warts), then you would definitely be risking the possibility of genital warts, even with protected sex. This is because hpv (like hsv) is a skin virus. Condoms do not protect all of a male's parts during sex, only the penis. What this also means is that you don't have to have sexual intercourse to contract hpv, all that's needed is genital skin-to-skin contact.
Ultimately, your decision will probably be based on how you feel about your partner, but you do have some options. If you proceed with a sexual relationship, consider yourself hpv+ for whichever strain your gf has. If you end up breaking up, you can inquire of a future partner whether she has had the hpv vaccine and if not, advise her to do so. It doesn't protect against all strains, but I believe it does protect against all the strains that cause cancer (don't quote me on that) and a couple more that cause genital warts.
And as for genital warts, I know it sounds like a big deal. but it's really not. They are easily treatable and (in my opinion anyway) no reason to cast off someone you really care about.
Good luck!
To start with, what type of hpv does your gf have? If she has a high risk strain (type that has potential to cause cervical cancer) then you wouldn't get any warts, but yes, there would be a VERY slight possibility of penile/oral cancer. But from everything I have read, the chances are so low they are practically non-existent. In fact, doctors may not even advise you to protect yourself from oral cancer if your partner has hpv.
If she has a low-risk strain of hpv (the type that causes genital warts), then you would definitely be risking the possibility of genital warts, even with protected sex. This is because hpv (like hsv) is a skin virus. Condoms do not protect all of a male's parts during sex, only the penis. What this also means is that you don't have to have sexual intercourse to contract hpv, all that's needed is genital skin-to-skin contact.
Ultimately, your decision will probably be based on how you feel about your partner, but you do have some options. If you proceed with a sexual relationship, consider yourself hpv+ for whichever strain your gf has. If you end up breaking up, you can inquire of a future partner whether she has had the hpv vaccine and if not, advise her to do so. It doesn't protect against all strains, but I believe it does protect against all the strains that cause cancer (don't quote me on that) and a couple more that cause genital warts.
And as for genital warts, I know it sounds like a big deal. but it's really not. They are easily treatable and (in my opinion anyway) no reason to cast off someone you really care about.
Good luck!
I appreciate the quick response. I did a little research and found out that Gardasil is only for girls which is unfortunate I guess. I know I don't have HPV because I've been 100% abstinent all my life.
I will check the dr forums some more, but if anyone else has any insight as to the likelihood of catching something orally from someone with HPV, please let me know.
I will check the dr forums some more, but if anyone else has any insight as to the likelihood of catching something orally from someone with HPV, please let me know.
I'm not a doctor be from what I've read I'll try to be my best.
1. How do you know that you have not already been exposed to the virus sense 80% of people have this virus it does not always show signs. And if they are giving vaccine to male then yes it's worth it.
2. The vaccine makes you immune to certain strains.
3.I'm not sure about that but from what I've read oral cancer is every rare.
After giving you all this info you should probably go on the Dr. forum and read what they have to say about HPV.
1. How do you know that you have not already been exposed to the virus sense 80% of people have this virus it does not always show signs. And if they are giving vaccine to male then yes it's worth it.
2. The vaccine makes you immune to certain strains.
3.I'm not sure about that but from what I've read oral cancer is every rare.
After giving you all this info you should probably go on the Dr. forum and read what they have to say about HPV.
You are reading content posted in the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Community
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