HPV Transmission Question

[LennyBruce]

I know very little about HPV and my internet browsing has confused me ever more.

I dated a girl in college about 15 years ago.  I saw her again, once, a few months ago.  The extent of our sexual activity, in college and more recently, was deep kissing, masturbation (both ways -- I don't think I inserted my finger inside her, but it's possible), and perhaps some very, very, very brief oral (her on me, not to completion, although I can't imagine why that would matter, but what do I know?).  There was no penile intercourse of any kind and, in fact, I doubt seriously that if I inserted my finger inside her it was more than for a few seconds.

Recently, she informed me that she had tested positive for HPV.  She said nothing more about the type, strain, etc., but I know it is genital (as opposed to oral, if such a thing exists).  She also said that based on the type she has, her doctor told her she likely contracted it upwards of 20 years ago.

On to the questions.

Question 1, could I have contracted HPV from her either then or more recently, given the exposures?

Question 2, my female significant other and I have unprotected sex (all kinds) and have for 20 years.  Is she at risk, and if so, what type of risk?  She gets routine, i.e., 6-month, pap smears and has never had anything abnormal come up.

Thanks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

As you have learned form your internet searches, the topic of HPV and genital warts is a complex one.  I will try to provide some facts.  For addition information on this most common of STDs, I would suggest search for other HPV- and wart-related Q&A on this site, as well seeking addition information on sites such as the American Social health Association web-site (disclosure, Dr. Handsfield and I are both on the Board of ASHA)..

HPV is the most commonly acquired STD.  Over 85% of sexually active women will have HPV infection at some time in their lives and while men are not as well studied, the same is likely true for them as well.  There are over 100 different types of HPV; some HPV will cause genital warts, other types will not cause warts but may lead to changes in PAP smears.  In nearly everyone who gets HPV, warts or otherwise, the infections will resolve by themselves without therapy in 8-10 months.  In a very small minority of women, HPV infection can persist and lead to the pre-cancerous lesions that PAP smears detect and which can then be treated.  With this as background, to your questions:

1.  This was a brief, non-penetrative expsoure.  Your chance of infection from your recent contact is very low but anything is possible.  The "ancient history" contact is irrelevant.  If you did (unlikely) it is not a big deal.  (See below)

2.  If you got HPV, you could transmit it to your GF.  If this were to happen, chances are that both you and she would get over the infections without trouble.  If for some reason your GF was one of the unlucky ones who did not clear the virus on its own, the problematic infection would be detected by a Pap smear allowing treatment.

Finally, if indeed the HPV infection was "dormant" in your ex, she would not be infected.  In general, went people are told their infections are dormant, it means that they have cleared their infection and it is no longer present.

Hope this helps.  I would not worry.  No testing is needed.  EWH

[LennyBruce]

A little more info.  During the time we had hand-genital contact, her virus was dormant.  When it was "active" I believe all we did was deep kiss and and maybe a bit of oral (her on me, but very very briefly).

[LennyBruce]

A follow up.  If she indeed had a genital form of HPV, would deep kissing present a risk of transmission (assuming no oral warts)?  Thanks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No.  Not a concern.  EWH