Can You Get Genital Warts After a Negative HIV Test?

If you test negative for HIV one year after a window period, is it still possible to contract genital warts?

I broke up with my ex last year, and we had unprotected intercourse during and after the breakup.
A year later, I was worried about contracting HIV and got tested anonymously (the result was negative).
However, after seeing information about genital warts, I became very anxious.
Given that I have confirmed I do not have HIV, can I still contract genital warts?

Kongpa Zhong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/06

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

Please seek medical attention.

Reply Date: 2022/08/06

More Info

It's understandable to feel anxious after engaging in high-risk sexual behavior, especially when it comes to concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV and genital warts (caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV). Let's address your question regarding the possibility of contracting genital warts after receiving a negative HIV test result.

Firstly, it's important to clarify that a negative HIV test result indicates that you are not currently infected with HIV. However, this does not provide any information about other STIs, including HPV, which is the virus responsible for genital warts. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and it can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, even if there are no visible symptoms or warts present.

Genital warts can appear weeks, months, or even years after exposure to the virus. Therefore, it is entirely possible to contract HPV and develop genital warts even after receiving a negative HIV test result. The two infections are caused by different viruses and are not directly related.
In your case, since you mentioned having unprotected sex, there is a risk of contracting HPV if your partner was infected. The presence of genital warts is not an immediate indicator of an HIV infection, and vice versa. It's crucial to understand that while HIV is a serious condition that can lead to AIDS, HPV is often manageable and may resolve on its own without treatment. However, some strains of HPV can lead to more serious health issues, including certain types of cancer.

If you are concerned about genital warts or any other STIs, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform the necessary examinations and tests to determine if you have HPV or any other STIs. Additionally, they can provide guidance on treatment options if warts are present and discuss preventive measures, such as the HPV vaccine, which can protect against the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus.

In summary, while a negative HIV test is reassuring regarding HIV infection, it does not eliminate the possibility of contracting other STIs, including genital warts. If you have concerns about your sexual health, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. Regular screenings and open communication with sexual partners about STI status can help reduce anxiety and promote better sexual health.

Similar Q&A

Do I Need a Deep Investigation for Urological Concerns?

Six months ago, I had oral sex, and I underwent tests for genital warts and HIV three months and six months later, both of which came back negative. However, I have some bumps under my tongue and I'm not sure what they are. 1. I would like to ask if genital warts can be de...

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology
Opportunity

Can You Rule Out HPV Infection After Negative Test Results?

Having undergone an HPV test after sexual intercourse, which returned negative, and not experiencing any discomfort for three months, the gynecologist stated that there are no visible signs of genital warts. I cannot see any symptoms myself, and I do not feel any abnormalities in...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: In women, genital warts can occur not only on the vulva but also in the vagina (which requires an internal examination by a gynecologist) and may be asymptomatic. Genital warts can be peculiar, with some reports indicating that certain cases may take several years to manif...

Understanding HIV Testing: Insights for Long-Term Monogamous Relationships

I have been in a monogamous relationship for the past 11 years, and I tested negative for HIV in November 2016 and April 2017. Recently, I visited a dermatologist due to a scab-like lesion on my genital area that I have had for about three years. The doctor diagnosed it as genita...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: As long as you and your sexual partner are both confirmed to be HIV-negative and have not been exposed to HIV in the past 11 years, there is no risk. HIV testing does not take several days, so there is no need to worry excessively. Wishing you good health.

Impact of Genital Warts on HIV Saliva Self-Testing Results

I would like to ask if using the Ministry of Health's HIV saliva self-test will be affected if I currently have genital warts. Should I treat the genital warts first, or go to the hospital for a blood test again?

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology
If there are currently cauliflower-like growths, will it affect the final test results? A: No, it won't. Should I address the cauliflower-like growths first, or go to the hospital for a repeat blood test? A: No need for a retest.