hpv transmission

Hey doc, I have a few questions.  I just recently found out i have genital warts. My girlfriend and I have been having unprotected sex for a couple of months and shes worried about getting warts.1) Is there any way to have a normal sex life in the future with her without having to worry abou giving it to her. 2)If I dont have warts at the time, what are the chances of passing warts on to her. 3)How well do condoms prevent passing on the disease.4) Will my girfriends chances of getting infected rise when she is on her period

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You are asking very basic information about HPV and genital wartsthat have complex answers.  You can start with the information available from my former health department (www.metrokc.gov/health/apu/std), CDC (www.cdc.gov/std), or the American Social Health Association (www.ashastd.org).  Also, use the search link to this forum, using the terms 'genital warts', 'human papillomavirus', and 'HPV'.

The quick repies are:

1 and 4) Your girlfriend already is infected.  You had the HPV infection that caused your warts for at least several weeks before the warts showed up, and she has to have been exposed by now, unless you haven't been having sex.  At this point, there is no need to use condoms or avoid sex; it won't do any goodl.  2) Within a few months of your warts being treated and clearing up, you won't carry the virus and won't be able to infect anyone.  3) Condoms are only partly protective.  The virus cannot pass through latex, but there is plenty of opportunity for genital contact above the area not covered by the male condom.

Your girlfriend should be on the lookout for warts and, if she develops them, see her health care provider.  She may never develop them, however; most infections are asymptomatic.  Or, if she wants, she can see her provider for an examination to check for warts.

In reply to you follow-up question below:  Whether or not one person has symptoms (i.e., noticeable warts) makes no difference in whether the partner will have visible warts are not.

Do the reading I suggest, then (and only then) feel free to come back if you still have questions.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[t8yo]

Thats what confuses me doc. Some people tell me i will have warts for life and u say that it will go away a few months after they dissapear. Which awnser is it. Will i have warst for life or not

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

My answer is right.  No warts last forever.

[bear6969]

A related discussion, incubation period was started.