[mm16]

Ok so I know this is a yucky topic but my cousin was diagnosed with HPV almost 3 years ago-the strain did cause her to get genital warts, but she has only experience one outbreak (the original) and has no signs or symptoms since...she also hasn't had sex since either.

So now she is dating someone and they are interested in taking in to the next level but she isn't sure if she can still pass it on, etc. She asked me (thinking I would know??) but I don't know and we can't find anything online regarding if this is something that stays with you forever, etc..

if anyone has any info, we'd love to hear from ya..thanks!

[mm16]

Oh and she was treated with aldara cream for her outbreak and hasn't needed any meds since.

[~Fabulousity~]

Lucky for her she didn't contract the type which causes cervical cancer. I really don't know if this is something that stays with a person for life like herpes. She should discuss this with a healthcare professional.

[mm16]

^Thats what I said. I think she will do that....i'll force her! lol

[helenNZ]

oh gosh, i've heard that cream is really awful to use! And freezing them off is painful too. I guess either way it's not a winning situation!
Super sorry to hear that your cousin got it. I guess this is on of those STI's thats never really spoken about or little is known, but I totally agree, I think she should go see the person that treated her and ask LOTS of questions... you should go along as well for support :o) I hope everything works out for her! *hugs*

[stacmck]

Short answer:
The HPV virus is usually cleared from the body in 6-12 months. It's not a virus that remains latent in the body forever, like herpes.

[urologist]

^^this is true--although HPV was once thought to be "permanent," new research suggests it can be cleared, though the time to clearance is different for different virus subtypes (and rarely do people know which type they have). Unless she has had a blood test showing no detectable HPV DNA, she should continue to assume they are infected and to practice safe sex (this is what I tell my patients).

She also should be sure to get regular cervical exams, because HPV is associated with cervical dysplasia and cancer.

[jellybebe]

Originally Posted by stacmck

Short answer:
The HPV virus is usually cleared from the body in 6-12 months. It's not a virus that remains latent in the body forever, like herpes.

Exactly what I was going to say, except my doc told me it can take up to 18 months. I even read a paper once that suggested that there was almost no point in telling future partners about it because it would freak them out unnecessarily.

[daisiesonly]

Originally Posted by jellybebe

Exactly what I was going to say, except my doc told me it can take up to 18 months. I even read a paper once that suggested that there was almost no point in telling future partners about it because it would freak them out unnecessarily.

Unless a recent blood test/pap shows a negative result, she should absolutely disclose this information with her future partners.

[Chamber Doll]

I just got back from the gyno and yup just as I suspected.......I have genital warts.........I am absolutely mortified and depressed about it right now

so I'm gonna start taking that aldara cream too and she told me that it's gonna clear in about 2 weeks........she seemed so nonchalant about it and told me not to worry and that I can have sex as soon as they clear up

but i'm still freakin out cuz this sucks!!! :(

and it's REALLY embarrassing too......it's not like I can go and talk to anybody about this.....you know? :(

[rosieroseanna]

I have just googled it actually and it seems that most of the population have it but most don't actually show symptoms. At my school the girls are about to have the hpv vaccine. I had an std test years ago and got the all clear but apparantely if you don't have an outbreak at the time it doesn't show up and can take years to show. I'm really worried now!

[b00mbaka]

I got the HPV vaccine 2 days ago and my right arm STILL hurts but man it's worth it! My doc said that HPV is the most commonly transmitted virus in the US and that it's the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide! That really stuck in my mind & it's all I needed to hear! I have to go back for 2 more shots before December but I don't mind at all.

[JSH812]

I've had the HPV shot too - because I feel like it's a great medical advance and my doc said it would be a good idea for everyone. But anyway - it cleared up plantar warts that I've had for like 4 years on my right foot! I was really excited, I told the doc she should tell the rep that brings them the vaccine!!

[lovinalotofbags]

The HPV vac works against 4 major types of HPV, there are still over 100 different strains that you can catch.

From the CDC: Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems. But sometimes, certain types of HPV can cause genital warts in men and women. Other HPV types can cause cervical cancer and other less common cancers, such as cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, and penis. The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types that can cause cancer.

• Sometimes, low-risk types of HPV can cause visible changes that take the form of genital warts.
• If a high-risk HPV infection is not cleared by the immune system, it can linger for many years and turn abnormal cells into cancer over time. About 10% of women with high-risk HPV on their cervix will develop long-lasting HPV infections that put them at risk for cervical cancer. Similarly, when high-risk HPV lingers and infects the cells of the penis, anus, vulva, or vagina, it can cause cancer in those areas. But these cancers are much less common than cervical cancer.

[Ladybug09]

My mother is an OB/GYN professional, and her professional believe is that she won't push the vaccine until Merck (the creator of it) starts to use the vaccine on young boys (who are the Primary carriers of the virus)...Unfortunately, it is within women in which the virus lies dormant an can become dangerous.

Basically, WRAP IT UP...use protection (it AMAZES me how many people out there are still NOT using protection and are NOT in committed relationships) and don't have too man sexual partners(which increases your chances of contracting the virus).