Have HPV, became worse, found out boyfriend has it too.... - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

bella26 · 06-29-2008, 03:01 PM

I have had the virus for about 5 years now. (a cheating boyfriend ; () I recently had a Leep procedure done. It has been dormant, and I have a normal paps, until about 3 months ago. I am in a relationship, about one year, and finally told him I had it, since I had to get this procedure done. He then told me he had it, previously with the warts.
My question is, since he had it, or has it, but his hasn't been active, at least that I was aware of, could that have triggered mine to become active and get worse?
I have an apt. with my Dr on Tuesday, but have been struggling with this question. I am unsure if I feel comfortable having sex with him again, if in fact him having it too had triggered mine to the level it has gotten, level 3.
I am mainly struggling with this because, I want kids and he doesn't, thus know he and I will probably not be together forever. So do I want to risk having it get worse by sleeping with him, or does that really matter?

rhiannon777 · 06-29-2008, 08:36 PM

I haven't heard anything about one partner's HPV "activating" the other's, so I would say it is fine to continue having sex with him. It may be simple coincidence, or it may be that the two of you had different strains of the virus to begin with and now you have caught his strain (although if he had warts only and you had cervical changes only, that's not as likely). I hope your doctor's appointment goes well -- definitely bring up your concerns there so you can feel comfortable in your choices! Best of luck.

newpatient485 · 06-30-2008, 09:47 AM

It sound like you had two different types of HPV. You had high-risk, the kind that causes cancer and is treated by LEEP, and he had low-risk, the type that causes warts.

Of course, if he has a different high risk strain, he could infect you with that, causing cervical dysplasia again, and you're always at risk of the strain you've always had becoming active again.

Also, it sounds like you're at risk of genital warts.

So it's really up to you whether the risks are worth it. I would discuss both your histories with your doctor and weigh your options.