Black spots on the penis that are viral warts may potentially be transmitted as genital warts?
My boyfriend was diagnosed by a doctor with several viral warts on his penis, which can only be seen with a magnifying glass.
There is a more noticeable black spot in the pubic area.
The doctor advised him to have his sexual partner (me) also see a doctor, and I was diagnosed with genital warts (condyloma).
I would like to ask if the black spot viral warts, although they are both warts, can potentially transmit and develop into genital warts.
Additionally, I want to know if these black spot viral warts can also be transmitted only through sexual intercourse.
If they are sexually transmitted, my boyfriend had a casual encounter about 8-9 months ago, but he always used condoms.
Is it possible for the incubation period to be that long?
Xiao Mei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/02
Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
1.
The lesions of human papillomavirus (HPV) on the genital area are known as genital warts, and the vast majority are transmitted through sexual intercourse.
2.
The incubation period is 2 to 8 months.
Reply Date: 2021/06/02
More Info
The presence of black spots on penile warts raises important questions regarding the transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the nature of genital warts. To address your concerns, it is essential to understand the characteristics of warts, how they are transmitted, and the implications for both you and your partner.
Firstly, warts, including genital warts, are caused by certain strains of HPV. The black spots you mentioned on your boyfriend's warts could be due to a variety of reasons, including pigmentation changes, blood vessels, or even the presence of a secondary infection. However, the critical point is that both the black spots and the visible warts are manifestations of HPV infection.
Regarding transmission, HPV is primarily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Even with the use of condoms, there is still a risk of transmission because HPV can infect areas not covered by the condom. Therefore, while using condoms significantly reduces the risk of transmission, it does not eliminate it entirely.
Now, concerning your question about whether the black spots on your boyfriend's warts can transmit to you and lead to the development of genital warts (also known as condylomata acuminata), the answer is yes. If the black spots are indeed HPV-related warts, they can transmit the virus to you during sexual contact. It is also important to note that HPV can remain dormant in the body for an extended period, which means that even if your boyfriend had sexual encounters 8-9 months ago, it is possible for the virus to remain inactive until it manifests as warts.
In terms of your diagnosis of genital warts, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options. Treatments may include topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing the warts), or surgical removal, depending on the extent and location of the warts. Additionally, it is essential to communicate openly with your partner about your health status and to consider both of you being evaluated and treated to prevent re-infection.
Moreover, HPV vaccination is an important preventive measure. The HPV vaccine can protect against the most common strains of the virus that cause genital warts and certain types of cancers. It is recommended for both males and females, ideally before they become sexually active, but it can still be beneficial for those who are already sexually active.
In summary, the black spots on your boyfriend's warts can potentially transmit HPV to you, leading to the development of genital warts. HPV can remain dormant for months, making it possible for infections to arise long after initial exposure. It is vital to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment and to discuss vaccination options to reduce the risk of future HPV-related issues. Open communication with your partner about sexual health is also essential in managing and preventing the spread of HPV.
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