How do I tell a new partner?

Hi,

I'm female and I was recently diagnosed with HPV and i've been flirting with a guy and we really like each other. I think we're possibly going to meet up soon and we may end up dating. I'm worried about when things get to the sexual stage. I'm not really sure what the best way to tell a partner about HPV is without scaring them off. I understand that roughly 80 percent of people carry the virus and that its not really a big deal but I'm not sure how to make someone else understand that. Another thing I want to know is is it okay to receive oral sex from a partner if you have HPV?

[Amie635]

Just be honest. Don't make a big deal out of it as if it's life ending. Just mention you have HPV once you start getting serious, and you suspect you might begin a relationship. Tell him all the facts - You can't be sure who you got it from, 90 percent of people clear in 2 years, some even clear within 6 months. Using a condom whilst having no visible symptoms makes the likelyhood of passing the virus on significantly smaller so it isn't dead set he'll get the virus too. And once you've cleared of the virus you are then no longer contagious. If you do end up in a serious comitted relationship and you want to try a different method of birth control, your partner will probably not care about getting the virus by that stage. Just say it like it is. If they leave they aren't someone you want to be dating.

[Amie635]

Recieving oral sex may mean your partner is at risk of getting oral hpv. However that is relatively rare.