How does HPV affect men?

[iul]

I had my recent pap smear (my second since the first in 2006). Here's the result: low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL); specific diagnosis encompass HPV and CIN 1, endocervical component present. The pathologist recommends that I undergo colposcopic evaluation or have a repeat pap test in 6 months time. I have asked the GP who have done the test how I got the infection. He said it could be from having multiple partners. I haven't had multiple partners in my life, if he means sleeping with several men at a time. But I had a boyfriend for 4 years before (2000-2004). I remember I had fungal infection twice before we broke up in 2004. After that I haven't had sex until 3 years later in 2007. The relationship lasted for only 5 months. Again I had fungal infection. It was a monogamous relationship for me, just like the one before. I just don't know if both of my partners were monogamous that time. I don't think they were. I'm really worried about this finding as my first pap test result was negative. Now I'm planning to start a family together with my new boyfriend but this thing happened. The GP told me that this won't affect my having a baby at all. How do I tell my partner about my situation? I know this is contagious but how does this affect men? I'm afraid he will back out if he learned that this is STD. A month before my pap test result, my partner had HPV test. It was negative. He had the test days after we had sex. Is he considered infected now? I'm seeing an OB GYN next week. Thanks very much for your time.

[empathy60]

"A month before my pap test result, my partner had HPV test. It was negative."

If your partner is male, he DID NOT HAVE AN HPV TEST.  THERE IS NOT TEST TO DETECT IN HPV IN MEN.  Okay, phew, now that point is made for anyone who may be confused about this in the future.  Many men mistakingly believe when they go in for an STD screening, that they are simply being screened for HPV, and they are not.  I caught this infection because a partner mistakingly believed this, and didn't know he was infected (there is no way to tell if a man is infected for sure unless he develops genital warts, and no one with high risk develops genital warts, only low risk).

People diagnosed with HPV can assume their partners are infected as well (particularly if you've been having unprotected intercourse).  From reading this, it is very likely your current partner may have been the source of the original infection.  Let him know this when you tell him, that there is no way to tell who brought the infection into the relationship.  HPV is also exceedingly common, and having it is part of being a normal, sexual, being.  Though it's not desirable to have it, it is quite typical.