Should I tell a girlfriend about HPV

[nickname147]

I have been sexually active with a girl for a little while now. I don't she has been too experienced and I may be her 3rd or 4th partner. I, on the other hand, have been experienced for quite some time and know that I have contracted HPV and the genital warts that come with it. My question is whether I should tell her about this condition and ask her to get a pap smear or at least ask her if she has had the Gaurdasil shots? My inclination is to not tell her and wait till she gets her normal check-up because its kinda too late to take the preventative measures.

On a side note, just so I don't seem like a terrible person, I did not know about this before I had sex with her the first time and I figured out who I got it from soon afterward because it was my last girlfriend, who I asked, and who told me she did in fact have it. What a mess! Thanks for any advice.

[2terrified]

I agree with Vance.  I have had abnormal paps due to HPV.  As a result, I got mild dysplasia and had to have the tissue removed.  As if the cancer risk isn't enough, each time a procedure is done to remove the abnormal cervical tissue, it weakens the cervix.  That can affect a woman during pregnancy.  I'm not saying that this will definitely happen nor that it happens every time.  But it happened to me.  So, the sooner she knows she is at risk, the better.  Hopefully she understands the circumstances and that you did not know until recently.  Good luck with your decision.

[Vance2335]

Yes tell her about it so she can get checked out. Better to hear it from you then from her Dr.