Can You Catch Genital Warts from Sharing Food with an Infected Friend?

Q: Can You Catch Genital Warts from Sharing Food with an Infected Friend?

Hello： There is a possibility of exposure through bodily fluids, but the situation you mentioned is less likely. <br>If you are concerned, it is advisable to seek medical confirmation. <br>The duration of treatment for warts can vary significantly depending on the treatment metho

Can I get infected by eating with a friend who has untreated genital warts?

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if I can get infected by eating with a friend who has genital warts.
He used his chopsticks to serve food to me, and at that time, I didn't know he had warts.
After we finished eating, he told me that he had something on his genital area (which was later confirmed by a doctor to be genital warts).
I also noticed a bump in my mouth, but I'm not sure if it's due to heat or if it's also warts.
I'm really worried that by using the same chopsticks, I might have come into contact with saliva and could get infected.
Additionally, I have a small sore on the tip of my tongue, which I believe is due to heat, and I'm unsure if this increases the risk of infection.
If treatment is needed, how long does the course usually take, and how many follow-up visits are typically required? Thank you for your answers, I appreciate it!

Miao Miao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/28

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: There is a possibility of exposure through bodily fluids, but the situation you mentioned is less likely.
If you are concerned, it is advisable to seek medical confirmation.
The duration of treatment for warts can vary significantly depending on the treatment method used.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/12/28

More Info

When it comes to the transmission of genital warts, which are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), it is important to understand the modes of transmission and the context of your situation. Genital warts are primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The virus is not typically spread through casual contact, such as sharing food or utensils.

In your case, sharing food with a friend who has genital warts does not pose a significant risk for transmission. The HPV virus that causes genital warts is not transmitted through saliva or food. While it is theoretically possible for the virus to be present in saliva, the likelihood of transmission through shared utensils or food is extremely low. HPV requires direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes for transmission to occur.

Regarding your concern about the small wound on your tongue, while open wounds can increase the risk of infections in general, the specific risk of contracting HPV through this route remains very low. The primary concern with oral HPV is typically associated with oral sex rather than sharing food. If your friend had visible warts or lesions in the genital area, it is unlikely that any contact with food or utensils would lead to transmission.

If you are experiencing a growth on your tongue, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. It could be a variety of things, including a canker sore, irritation, or, in rare cases, an HPV-related lesion. A healthcare provider can perform an examination and may recommend a biopsy if necessary to determine the nature of the growth.

As for treatment, if you are diagnosed with genital warts or any HPV-related condition, the treatment options can vary. Common treatments for genital warts include topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing the warts), or surgical removal. The duration of treatment and the number of follow-up visits will depend on the specific treatment chosen and how your body responds to it. Generally, follow-up visits may be scheduled every few weeks to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

In summary, sharing food with a friend who has genital warts does not pose a significant risk for transmission of HPV. If you have concerns about any lesions or growths in your mouth, it is best to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and treatment. Remember to maintain good hygiene practices, especially when handling food, and consult a healthcare provider if you have any further questions or concerns about your health.

Similar Q&A

Can Sharing Food Lead to HPV or Other STIs Transmission?

I have a habit of sharing food with friends, eating from the same plate and using the same spoon to drink from the same bowl, and occasionally sharing forks (for eating fruit). Last week, I heard that a friend kissed three people at a nightclub, and I recently have a mouth ulcer....

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) primarily occurs through sexual contact, and the likelihood of transmission through the means you described is very low. If you are very concerned, you can ask your physician to arrange for an HPV DNA test for confirmation. Th...

Can You Get Genital Warts from Casual Contact with an Infected Person?

If my hand is injured and I go to a friend's house for dinner, and my friend has previously had a genital wart infection, I would like to ask: 1. If I have touched my friend's hand or body (not through sexual activity), is there a possibility that my injured hand could ...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: No, wishing you good health.

Can You Contract STDs from Sharing Food with an Infected Friend?

Hello doctor, I went out with a friend yesterday and learned that he had sex with a stranger a few days ago, and I'm not sure if they used protection. My friend hasn't gotten tested yet, but since it's his first time, he mentioned some swelling and discomfort while...

Dr. Du Mingyi reply Urology
Saliva is not contagious.

Can You Catch Oral Warts from Sharing Utensils?

Hello, can sharing utensils with someone who has oral warts lead to transmission? Thank you.

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
It's possible.