I have been diagnosed with genital warts (low-risk HPV). I am a virgin and have only engaged in open-mouth kissing, oral sex and genital-genital contact (with no vaginal/anal intercourse). I am aware that I could have contracted HPV through oral sex or through genital-genital contact. I currently have genital warts and no warts were found in my mouth. This was confirmed by my doctor. My logic tells me that realistically, even though I currently am free of oral warts, I most likely carry HPV in my mouth.
My question is in regards to open-mouth kissing. I would like to start dating, but have not decided when to disclose my condition. The first date does not seem like an ideal time for this lol. I would like the chance for a man to get to know me first before I have this dreaded discussion and maybe even share an open-mouth kiss! Shocking I know lol.
I have read that HPV can be spread from open-mouth kissing. Obviously if I kiss someone, they won't spontaneously develop warts on their genitals. However, what are the chances, if any, that warts could develop in their mouth, even though I do not have warts in mine? Also, I do not want to infect person A in his mouth, then person A has oral sex with person B (not me), and later person B has genital warts.
I get confused by all of the information I read. Would someone be willing to offer their dating/kissing experiences living with HPV? Should I be concerned about open-mouth kissing others?
In the past, it made sense to me to worry about contracting STDs through unprotected sex. But to now have to worry about kissing someone! I am literally shaking my head. I hope I'm not the only one who is concerned about this and I hope someone can provide some reliable answers.