Genital Wart Recurrance

[NormalGuy38]

18 years ago I was diagnosed and treated for genital warts.  They were difficult to remove and my physician eventually opted for interferon injections.  This proved to be successful.  My wife was treated at the same time.  It was determined that the strain she had is one of the types that does cause cancer.  
I have had no recurrances and neither did she for the next 10 years, at which time we divorced.  I do not know if she stayed clear after that as we are not in contact.  Considering a serious relationshop now, I  would like to know what risks a future wife would have if I remarried so that I can give her all of the facts.
Am I in the clear?
Sincerely,
David

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

It is rare for HPV infections to reactivate more than 1-2 years after the initial infection.  There is no reason to suppose it in your case, regardless of the slow response to treatment 18 years ago.

By the way, I am skeptical that your warts were caused by a high-risk, cancer-causing type of HPV.  First, that is rare; the cancer-causing types rarely cause warts.  Second, except for special tests used only in research settings, there are no tests to determine HPV type--and for sure no such test was available 18 years ago.

In any case, the bottom line is that you have no concerns.  There is no particular reason to even mention your past warts to your new partner.  (In the interest of open communication, you might want to do that. I just mean the risk is low enough that there is no obligation to do so.)

Best wishes--   HHH, MD