HPV and Safe Sexual Practices After Genital Warts - Urology

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Cauliflower (Condylomata Acuminata)


Hello, doctor.
My girlfriend had a lesion in January 2020, which was treated with electrosurgery.
In October of the same year, a mild lesion reappeared, and after applying a topical ointment prescribed by the doctor, it improved shortly after.
I would like to know if the risk of contracting genital warts is high if I engage in sexual intercourse with her now (we always use condoms and she has received the nine-valent HPV vaccine).
Additionally, at what stage should we consider it safer to have sexual intercourse? Also, since my girlfriend has completed her vaccination, does it reduce the likelihood of recurrence? Thank you, doctor!

AAA, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/22

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology


For the virus strain that has already infected her, the vaccine is ineffective.
Therefore, the vaccine does not help your girlfriend with her current infection.
If the nine-valent vaccine you received covers the strain your girlfriend has, then you may be at a lower risk; however, it is unknown which strain she is infected with.
Theoretically, she still has the potential to transmit the virus to you.
Therefore, if you do decide to engage in sexual activity, it is still recommended to use appropriate protection and ensure adequate lubrication to prevent friction that could lead to wounds and increase the risk of infection.

Reply Date: 2021/01/22

More Info


When it comes to understanding HPV (human papillomavirus) and safe sexual practices, especially after a partner has experienced genital warts (condylomata acuminata), there are several important factors to consider.
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that HPV is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. This means that even with the use of condoms, there is still a risk of transmission if the infected area is not fully covered by the condom. However, using condoms significantly reduces the risk of HPV transmission. In your case, since you have been consistently using condoms during sexual intercourse and have also received the nine-valent HPV vaccine, your risk of contracting HPV from your girlfriend is lower than if you were not using any protection or had not been vaccinated.

Regarding the timing of when it is safe to resume sexual activity after your girlfriend has had treatment for genital warts, it is generally recommended to wait until all visible signs of the warts have completely resolved and any follow-up treatments have been completed. This can vary from person to person, but typically, it is advisable to wait at least a few weeks after the last treatment before engaging in sexual activity. It’s also important for your girlfriend to have follow-up appointments with her healthcare provider to ensure that there are no recurring lesions or signs of HPV.

As for the HPV vaccine, it is designed to protect against the most common and high-risk strains of HPV that can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer. While the vaccine does not treat existing infections, it can help prevent future infections with the types of HPV that the vaccine covers. Therefore, since both you and your girlfriend have completed the vaccination series, it may help reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks of genital warts, although it does not eliminate the risk entirely.

In terms of monitoring and prevention, regular check-ups and screenings are essential. For women, Pap smears and HPV testing are recommended to monitor cervical health, especially if there is a history of HPV-related issues. For men, while there is no routine screening for HPV, being aware of any changes in the genital area and consulting a healthcare provider if any abnormalities arise is important.

In summary, while the risk of transmitting HPV after your girlfriend's treatment is reduced due to the use of condoms and vaccination, it is still present. Waiting until all signs of the infection have cleared and ensuring regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are key steps in managing this situation. Open communication with your partner about health and safety is also vital in maintaining a healthy sexual relationship.

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