If you’ve been diagnosed with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), you might wonder if it’s necessary to inform your partner. Here’s the deal: HPV is a silent party crasher—it can chill in your system for a long time without ringing any alarms. Also, having HPV doesn’t mean you or your partner have been playing the field.
To Tell or Not to Tell?
It’s your call if you want to spill the beans about having HPV. But if you do, consider these points:
HPV Is Quite Common
Almost everyone gets a ticket to the HPV party at some point. It’s like a secret club that most folks don’t even know they’re part of. HPV is behind most cervical cancers, but it often ghosts out of your system without leaving a trace. If you’re under 30, chances are higher that you’ll kick out HPV on your own.
The Quandary of Disclosure
Usually, when it comes to STIs, openness is the go-to. But HPV? Not so simple. Folks with penises can’t get tested, and there’s no direct treatment. If there are genital warts or funky cervical cells, they can be removed, but the virus still hangs around. Plus, tracing where it came from? A mystery.
So, honesty is cool, but it’s okay if HPV doesn’t make it to your chat list with your partner. But hey, if you decide to spill the HPV beans, arm yourself with info from your gyno or the CDC. Remember, you both probably have it already.
How Common Is HPV Anyway?
Join the club—HPV is the membership fee for nearly all sexually active people. About 42 million folks are in the HPV club right now, just chilling without any red flags.
To Disclose or Not to Disclose?
It’s up to you. Most people with HPV don’t even know they have it. The good news? Your immunity usually kicks it out within a while.
Pros of Spilling the Beans
Being honest is rad. It might raise awareness about HPV, though the risk for men is pretty low. It can cause genital warts or other funky stuff, but most times, it’s like an invisible houseguest.
Cons of Sharing
Testing for guys isn’t a thing. And sharing might cause stress and confusion.
The Lowdown
Chin up—HPV is a common guest. If you’re dealing with HPV, here are some key things for you and your partner to consider:
To Tell or Not to Tell
It’s your call. Most peeps carry HPV without knowing. No treatment is needed for 95% of cases, and your immunity can boot it out.
Sharing the Intel
Pros: Honesty rocks. It can spread awareness about HPV. But the risk for dudes is pretty slim. Condoms can’t completely shield you from HPV.
Cons: Anxiety might tag along, and your partner might get the wrong idea.
Does It Equal Cheating?
Not at all. HPV can be a stealthy squatter in your body for years. Pinpointing when or from whom you got it is like solving a mystery.
Does My Partner Need a Test?
For women, early detection never hurts. Guys can’t get tested for it, and cancers from HPV are rare in men. Chances are, you both are on the same viral team. Reinfection is not a thing.
Passing It On
Yeah, you could pass it through skin-to-skin contact, but there are some vaccination options, even for men. It’s an option for men up to 21 but recommended for guys who like guys, or those with a compromised immune system, up to 26. Got more questions? Make an appointment with a doc to hash out all things HPV.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases/hpv-and-relationships
