Passing HPV back and forth between myself and boyfriend - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

blueskies7 · 04-26-2009, 04:06 AM

I was treated for genital warts last year and have not had any symptoms since December. I have also been fully vaccinated with the Gardasil shots. My boyfriend recently got treated for genital warts, and we are pretty sure he got it from me, as we started dating last year while I was still undergoing treatment.

My concern is that even though we now share the same HPV strain, will I start developing symptoms of genital warts again since he has it now? I am symptom free so far but worry that the viral shedding of the HPV cells from him will re-infect me in a new area on my vagina or other places where I did not have genital warts treated before.

I have read that it is not possible to re-infect oneself with the same HPV strain if you already have it, but can that same HPV strain infect you in areas where you did not have genital warts before? In other words, because he now has warts, will I get new genital warts in areas where I was not exposed to and did not have symptoms before? Or has my body built up enough immunities to that strain because I have been treated for it, and because I already received the 3 Gardasil shots?

blueskies7 · 04-28-2009, 07:16 PM

Does anyone know?

Pickle Eyes · 04-28-2009, 08:59 PM

I read this when you posted it, but I don't know a lot about genital warts.

From what I understand it is possible for the virus to reactivate later. It is possible for another strain of HPV to cause the same problems.

Then again, I've read (mostly here, I think I read it somewhere else) that wearing condoms can help give your body some time to heal from the HPV. The virus doesn't go away, as you know, but the viral load is reduced.

As far as, can HPV affect other areas other than the original site. Absolutely.

I hope that helps.