Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common viral infection, with most sexually active individuals contracting it at some point. Many people with HPV may not realize it, as the infection often causes no symptoms. While frequently harmless and capable of clearing on its own, certain types of HPV can lead to health concerns, including genital warts and certain cancers. An HPV diagnosis often raises questions about its implications for sexual partners.
How HPV Spreads
HPV primarily spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex; penetrative intercourse is not required for transmission.
HPV can lie dormant within the body for extended periods. This latency means the virus can remain inactive for months, years, or even decades before becoming detectable or causing symptoms. The long dormancy period can make it difficult to pinpoint exactly when or from whom the infection was acquired. Therefore, a new HPV diagnosis in a long-term relationship does not necessarily indicate recent infidelity, as the virus may have been present in one or both partners for a considerable time.
Partner Testing for HPV
The approach to HPV testing differs significantly between female and male partners. For individuals with a cervix, routine HPV testing is a standard part of cervical cancer screening. A Pap test checks for abnormal cervical cells that HPV can cause, while an HPV test directly detects the presence of the virus. These screening tools aim to prevent cervical cancer by identifying precancerous changes early.
Guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening, which may include HPV testing, for individuals aged 25 to 65. Primary HPV testing every five years, or co-testing (HPV and Pap test) every five years, is suggested for this age group. Individuals aged 21-29 undergo Pap testing every three years, with HPV testing not recommended in this younger age group due to the high likelihood of temporary infections that clear on their own.
For male partners, there is no routine, FDA-approved test for HPV for general screening purposes. This is largely because HPV infections in men often clear on their own without health problems, and widespread screening lacks clear clinical utility. If a male partner develops visible genital warts, a healthcare provider can diagnose these clinically through visual examination. In some specific cases, such as for gay and bisexual men at higher risk for anal cancer, an anal Pap test might be recommended to screen for cell changes, though this is not a test for the virus itself.
Navigating HPV as a Couple
Receiving an HPV diagnosis as a couple requires open and honest communication. Discussing the diagnosis can foster understanding and support, rather than leading to blame. Given HPV’s commonality and long latency period, partners should remember the infection could have been acquired years ago, even before the current relationship began. Educating yourselves about HPV can help alleviate fears and misconceptions.
While condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, they do not offer complete protection because the virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact beyond the areas covered. The HPV vaccine, such as Gardasil 9, protects against the types of HPV that cause most cancers and genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for individuals through age 26 if not adequately vaccinated younger, and in some cases, up to age 45. Vaccination can protect an uninfected partner from future infections.
Both partners should prioritize ongoing health monitoring. The individual diagnosed with HPV should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for regular check-ups, which might include continued Pap tests or other screenings. Partners should also be aware of any potential symptoms, like new or unusual growths, and seek medical advice if they appear. Managing the emotional impact of an HPV diagnosis, such as anxiety or stigma, is also important; seeking support or counseling can be beneficial.