Genital Warts: Transmission Risks and Prevention

Cauliflower infection

Hello Doctor, today I went to the hospital to examine a growth in my genital area (located between the anus and vagina, with no other growths present).
The size is about one to two millimeters, and both doctors I consulted believe it to be genital warts (based on visual assessment).
I have had sexual intercourse, and I am not currently worried about my own genital warts issue, but I am more concerned about whether I have transmitted it to my boyfriend.
I noticed the growth earlier this year but did not see a doctor immediately, thinking it was a false wart.
During this time, I had one instance of protected sex with my boyfriend, and I also performed oral sex on him without a condom (I did not have any visible symptoms of genital warts in my mouth).
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor the following questions:
1.
If I had protected sex, is it possible for my boyfriend to contract genital warts?
2.
My boyfriend has, for pleasure, put his fingers inside my vagina and then put them in his mouth after coming into contact with my bodily fluids.
Is there a risk of him contracting genital warts this way?
3.
Would performing oral sex without a condom put my boyfriend at risk of contracting genital warts, even if there are no visible symptoms in my mouth?
4.
Is the transmission of genital warts solely through contact with the skin infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), or can it also occur through the exchange of bodily fluids?
5.
After contracting genital warts, should I avoid letting my boyfriend touch the affected area (the growth and surrounding skin) and then touch his own skin to prevent him from getting genital warts?
6.
Is it correct that having genital warts means the virus is present in the skin but not in the bloodstream? How long does it take for the surface to remain free of lesions and for it to be considered healed?
Thank you, Doctor, for answering my questions! (Bows)

N, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/23

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the cauliflower-like lesions are a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The primary mode of transmission is through sexual intercourse, which includes various forms of sexual activity (such as anal and oral sex, although transmission through oral sex is less common).
Regardless of sexual orientation, engaging in unsafe sexual practices increases the risk of infection.
Contacting the lesions (wart-like tissue) during sexual activity raises the likelihood of transmission.
HPV infections are spread through sexual contact with the skin or mucous membranes of the anus, mouth, or vagina from one person to another.
It is possible to transmit genital warts and HPV even in the absence of visible warts.
The situation you mentioned does not completely rule out the possibility of infection, but not everyone who has been exposed to the HPV virus or genital warts will necessarily develop the disease.
It is advisable to consult a physician for a biopsy to confirm diagnosis and treatment.
The recovery or recurrence rates and timelines vary among individuals, and ongoing monitoring and preventive measures are necessary for stable control.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2021/10/23

More Info

Genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Understanding the transmission risks and prevention strategies is crucial for managing your health and that of your partner. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Can my boyfriend get genital warts if we had safe sex?
While using condoms significantly reduces the risk of transmitting HPV, it does not eliminate it entirely. Genital warts can occur in areas not covered by a condom, so if you have warts in the genital area, there is still a possibility of transmission, even during protected intercourse.
2. If my boyfriend's fingers touched my vagina and then went into his mouth, could he get infected?
Yes, there is a risk of transmission through this route. HPV can be present in the genital area and can be transferred to the fingers. If he then touches his mouth, there is a possibility of the virus being introduced into his system. However, the likelihood of developing warts in the mouth or throat from this type of exposure is generally lower compared to direct genital contact.

3. Could oral sex without a condom transmit genital warts?
Yes, oral sex can transmit HPV. If you have genital warts, engaging in oral sex without protection can potentially expose your partner to the virus, even if there are no visible symptoms in your mouth. HPV can infect the throat and mouth, leading to potential complications.

4. Is HPV transmission only through skin contact, or can it occur through bodily fluids?
HPV is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, particularly in the genital area. While bodily fluids are involved in many STIs, HPV does not require the exchange of bodily fluids for transmission. The virus can be transmitted through any direct contact with infected skin.

5. If I avoid letting my boyfriend touch the affected area, can I prevent him from getting HPV?
While avoiding direct contact with the warts can reduce the risk of transmission, it does not guarantee that he will not contract HPV. The virus can be present on skin surfaces around the warts, and transmission can occur even without direct contact with the warts themselves. It’s essential to communicate openly with your partner about your condition and consider abstaining from sexual activity until you have consulted a healthcare provider.

6. Is HPV only present in the skin, and is there a time frame for being considered cured?
HPV typically resides in the skin and mucous membranes, and it is not found in the bloodstream. The body can often clear the virus on its own over time, but this process can take months or even years. There is no definitive time frame for when someone is considered "cured," as HPV can remain dormant in the body. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for monitoring and managing the condition.

In conclusion, it is crucial to have open and honest discussions with your partner about your health status. Consider consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation and potential treatment options for genital warts. They can provide guidance on managing the condition and reducing the risk of transmission to your partner. Additionally, vaccination against HPV is available and can help prevent future infections.

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