Aa
New Boyfriend has HPV, how do I keep myself safe
I just met a really sweet guy who was diagnosed with HPV 2 years ago. He has no idea where he got it and swear that he has used condoms all his life so the infection is at the base of his shaft. He has treatment every 4 months or so. We have not had sex yet as I wanted to educate myself before doing so. I like him but I am really scared of contracting it. Can anyone advise me on this matter so I can be able to make an informed desicion?
yes, gardasil vaccine is available all over the world. depending on your age, depends on if you are going to be able to get it or not. It is a series of 3 shots given over 6 months.
grace
grace
Thank you so much, that information has made a world of difference. I wonder if they have vaccines in my country (South Africa)? I'll have to do some reasearch about that. Thanks Mags370
This is often an area for men to get low risk HPV warts because the condom doesn't completely cover the shaft and the exposed skin is at risk. HPV is transmitted via skin to skin contact not via fluids.
It is not the norm for someone to have symptoms for over two years. In most cases the body clears the strain and symptoms within 24 months. Once someone has a strain they have it for life but when it becomes dormant the levels are so low that the person will test negative and no longer have symptoms. Hopefully his immune system will clear his warts soon.
There are several ways you are at risk. First genital to genital contact. Grinding without clothing and sex without protection. Condoms will help to protect but not 100%. Second there is some oral risk but this is much less common and the only way I have read is with deep french kissing. Still it is far less risky than actual sex. Third is mutual masturbation where you are touching each other and yourselves. Prevent this by keeping your hands only to one of you at a time then washing before touching the other. You can have lots of fun sexually while trying to be safe.
HPV is very common, almost all sexually active adults will have it in their lifetime. If you have had previous sexual partners you might already have had strains. If you have the same strains as your bf then you can't bounce it between you and if you do get his you will then both have it for life. It is important to have yearly medical and dental exams. If you have not and are young enough you could get the vaccines to help protect you from the most common strains that are known to be linked to cancers and warts.
Warts are very contagious but just because he as them doesn't mean you will. Not everyone who has HPV will develope symptoms. You will have to decide yourself on what risks you wish to take.
It is not the norm for someone to have symptoms for over two years. In most cases the body clears the strain and symptoms within 24 months. Once someone has a strain they have it for life but when it becomes dormant the levels are so low that the person will test negative and no longer have symptoms. Hopefully his immune system will clear his warts soon.
There are several ways you are at risk. First genital to genital contact. Grinding without clothing and sex without protection. Condoms will help to protect but not 100%. Second there is some oral risk but this is much less common and the only way I have read is with deep french kissing. Still it is far less risky than actual sex. Third is mutual masturbation where you are touching each other and yourselves. Prevent this by keeping your hands only to one of you at a time then washing before touching the other. You can have lots of fun sexually while trying to be safe.
HPV is very common, almost all sexually active adults will have it in their lifetime. If you have had previous sexual partners you might already have had strains. If you have the same strains as your bf then you can't bounce it between you and if you do get his you will then both have it for life. It is important to have yearly medical and dental exams. If you have not and are young enough you could get the vaccines to help protect you from the most common strains that are known to be linked to cancers and warts.
Warts are very contagious but just because he as them doesn't mean you will. Not everyone who has HPV will develope symptoms. You will have to decide yourself on what risks you wish to take.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
