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Molluscum Contagiosum
My husband and I are intimate with another couple and have unprotected sex with them. We have been in this relationship for approx. a year. We are occassionally intimate with other people but always practice safe sex in those situations. The other couple are not intimate with anyone else as far as we know. Both of us (the couples) have been married for at least 20 years and have no history of STD's. We are all are over 45 yrs old and healthy. The husband of the other couple recently contacted me and stated he has molluscum contagiosum on his penis and surrounding area. His spouse is not experiencing any symptoms nor am I or my spouse. Is there a test to see if I have contracted this virus other than testing a breakout? I am asking because I do not have a breakout and have not experienced the described symptoms. His doctor is telling him this is a sexually transmitted virus. What are the other situations where one might contract this virus? If a person comes in contact with it and does not breakout are they carrying the virus and if so how long? Is it in the blood or a contact virus? Once it heals does it come back and if not are you still able to spread it to others once it heals?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Molluscum contagiosum is a minor viral infection that causes skin bumps. There are many uncertainties about its epidemiology and transmission. The infection is only a nuisance, never a serious health risk, and therefore little research has been done.
In adults, MC most commonly affects the genital or nearby areas, such as the pubic area, and generally is considered to be sexually acquired. However, this is a little controversial, and some cases may be acquired by other routes. MC is most common in young children, in whom the virus is transmitted by toys or other objects that can go from mouth to mouth, especially in places like daycare settings. Some infections in adults may result from contact with infected children. (However, it is not clear why such infections should be most common in the genital area, which is one reason that most experts believe sexual transmission is the usual explanation.) The incubation period -- that is, the time from exposure to symptoms -- hasn't been studied in adults, but probably is usually 1-2 months.
It is believed that such childhood infections result in immunity that protects from future new infections. Therefore, many or most adults are immune and do not get infected even if exposed. Finally, when adults are infected, many may be asymptomatic. Some may truly have no visible lesions, with truly asymptomatic infections; others might have lesions they didn't notice, either because they were small or because they occurred difficult to see locations, like inside the vagina, around the anus, etc.
So on one hand, the appearance of MC in one member of a sexual foursome suggests that one of the others is infected and was the source of his or her infection. But not necessarily; perhaps the initial infection was not sexually acquired at all. Other members of the foursome might not become infected from the original case, because of past childhood infection and current immunity.
It would be reasonable for the other 3 members of your sexual group to be examined, either by their primary care providers (for the women, that probably means a gynecologist) or a dermatologist. In any case, this is not a cause for serious worry. The biggest concern isn't MC itself, but whether its appearance indicates risk for other STDs. Therefore, it would be a good idea for all members of the group to have standard tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and perhaps HIV, just to be maximally safe.
I hope this helps. Best wishes--- HHH, MD
In adults, MC most commonly affects the genital or nearby areas, such as the pubic area, and generally is considered to be sexually acquired. However, this is a little controversial, and some cases may be acquired by other routes. MC is most common in young children, in whom the virus is transmitted by toys or other objects that can go from mouth to mouth, especially in places like daycare settings. Some infections in adults may result from contact with infected children. (However, it is not clear why such infections should be most common in the genital area, which is one reason that most experts believe sexual transmission is the usual explanation.) The incubation period -- that is, the time from exposure to symptoms -- hasn't been studied in adults, but probably is usually 1-2 months.
It is believed that such childhood infections result in immunity that protects from future new infections. Therefore, many or most adults are immune and do not get infected even if exposed. Finally, when adults are infected, many may be asymptomatic. Some may truly have no visible lesions, with truly asymptomatic infections; others might have lesions they didn't notice, either because they were small or because they occurred difficult to see locations, like inside the vagina, around the anus, etc.
So on one hand, the appearance of MC in one member of a sexual foursome suggests that one of the others is infected and was the source of his or her infection. But not necessarily; perhaps the initial infection was not sexually acquired at all. Other members of the foursome might not become infected from the original case, because of past childhood infection and current immunity.
It would be reasonable for the other 3 members of your sexual group to be examined, either by their primary care providers (for the women, that probably means a gynecologist) or a dermatologist. In any case, this is not a cause for serious worry. The biggest concern isn't MC itself, but whether its appearance indicates risk for other STDs. Therefore, it would be a good idea for all members of the group to have standard tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and perhaps HIV, just to be maximally safe.
I hope this helps. Best wishes--- HHH, MD
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm glad it was helpful. Once MC clears, it's gone forever and there is nothing to transmit; when the bumps are gone, you can assume the virus is gone. After that the person probably is immune from catching it again.
Thank you for your information. It was very helpful. I just still have a couple of questions. Once you have this, it has cleared up and you are immune can you still spread it to others? Is it something you always have or does it go away when cleared up?
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
