hpv

[jsuzanne]

My boyfriend has a wart on his hand and I just learned on the internet that warts are caused by the human papiloma virus. My question is can I get hpv-cervical cancer from him touching me "there" with his hand? thanks

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hi suzanne

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hi

Warts in or around your vulva (also called condyloma) are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are many different types of HPV. Some types of HPV are sexually transmitted and cause warts in you vulva/vagina. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.

How are they spread? Warts are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with warts or an infected area during vaginal or anal sex. They may appear from one month up to several years after exposure. Sometimes people with HPV do not have any symptoms and they can pass the virus without knowing it. Some types of HPV can cause changes in cells on a woman’s cervix.

You ask if you can "get HPV/cancer" from your partner touching you "there." By that, I'm assuming you're asking whether your partner can transmit a wart from his hand to your vulva. The answer is maybe. Depends on the type of wart he has.

There's a vaccine available now called "Gardasil" which protects against most forms of cervical cancer. It's widely available at women's clinics, Planned Parenthood, etc.

So be smart. Use risk reduction during any sexual contact. In this case, if you wish manual stimulation from your partner, be sure he's wearing a latex glove (available from any drugstore or pharmacy). You can incorporate this into your sexuality in ways that are both hot and fun; for instance, create a fantasy in which he wears this glove. Perhaps you're a nurse, and he's a hot new intern? You get the idea. Best of luck to you.Dr. J

[jsuzanne]

Hi, thanks for answering my question.  By "there' I actually meant in the vagina.  I'm more scared of cervical hpv than the warts people get on their vulva.  OF COURSE I don't really want either.  I'm actually in a 15 year monogamous relationship with my boyfriend and I'm 32.  It's my impression that gardasil is only given to younger people, I believe in their commercials they say "if you're sexually active between the ages of 14 and 25, blahblahblah"   So would I be a candidate for the vaccine with my situation?  Also I've heard it's a dangerous vaccination.  What's your opinion on this?  Thanks in advance for your response.

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hi.

Talk with your gynecologist. S/he knows your unique health history and can discuss the most effective option for you. Dr. J

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hi.

Sorry. A paragraph was ommitted from my last post. I didn't realize your age. Gardasil is only approved for women up to age 26 because that's the population that participated in the research. The vaccine isn't dangerous and isn't associated with any side effects. Be sure to have regular Pap smears, which detect HPV. Dr. J

[tejodouro]

If your boyfriend has any warts, her needs to go to his doctor to eliminate them.  If he does this, you do not need to worry.  This is the long term solution. Good luck.

[Amanda0922]

Warts on hands and feet are caused by different strains of hpv than the ones responsible for genital warts and cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer.