hpv-herpes cancer

[concerned897]

I believe from reading that herpes and HPV are two different viruses. Can having herpes ( taking Valtrex) and having sexual contact with female partner produce vaginal or cervicle cancer, specifically through HPV?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your opening sentence is correct.  Human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) are enitrely different viruses.  Some high-risk types of HPV cause cervical cancer and, less frequently, cancer of the anus or genital skin.  However, the vast majority of HPV infections do not actually progress to cancer, even if caused by the high risk types.  I'm not sure what you are trying to get at when you ask whether a person with herpes can "produce cancer through HPV".   At one time, HSV was thought to perhaps be a cause of cervical cancer, but it is not.

Although you don't say it, it sounds like you might be a male with genital herpes, or the partner of such a man, worried about whether the male's genital herpes might increase the woman's risk of cervical cancer.  The answer is no, don't worry about it.  Genital herpes in a male has no known effect on his female partner's risk of getting cervical cancer.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[concerned897]

Thank you so much for this information. She has advised that the doctor did not feel anything abnormal however she did bleed when he swabbed her causing the need for the biopsy.
Time will tell, thanks again for your information.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Vaginal bleeding has lots of potential causes.  In industrial countries, cancer is one of the less common causes.  However, that the doctor saw something that needs biopsy suggests cancer could be a possibility, although a pre-cancerous (not yet dangerous) growth is more likely.  Even if it is cervical cancer, most likely it is early and easily cured by simply removing the abnormal tissue.

The underlying cause almost certainly is HPV, and whatever is going on almost certainly has nothing to do with your herpes.  And the bump on your scrotum also has nothing to do with either herpes or HPV.  See a provider about it, but it doesn't sound like anything to worry about.

Finally, you can expect to never have any kind of health problem from the HPV strain that is causing your partner's problem.  It is not a serious concern.

[concerned897]

Thank you very much for your response. To clarify, I am a male and unfortunately with herpes simplex. Over the course of the last three months, my female partner has experienced abnormal vaginal bleeding during and after sexual intercourse. Periodically this bleeding has occurred during the day under normal conditions meaning day to day activities. The day to day bleeding is very light and sporadic however during sexual intercourse it at times is heavy. She visited her doctor yesterday, and a concerned doctor has scheduled her a biopsy in a few days. We are stricken with fear as we read of what this may come too, which led me to the original question. Many of the internet research seems to connect the two viruses and cervical cancer or at least my convoluted mind is unable to grasp the information due to the circumstances.
I wish to add one more caveat or question if I may, I do have a pea size or smaller bump (pimple) that is a part of my skin on my lower testicle. It does not hurt, and seems to be a part of the skin as opposed to herpes wart like bump. It has been there for years and to be honest have forgotten of its existence until now. I am planning to have it specifically checked this week however was wondering what this might be?
Again thanks.