Can HPV from 10 Years Ago Still Be Contagious?

Q: Can HPV from 10 Years Ago Still Be Contagious?

Concerned individual： Hello, theoretically, if there has been no recurrence of the disease for over a year, it can be considered cured, and there should be no risk of reinfection. <br>As for the lesions you mentioned, a proper diagnosis cannot be made solely based on your descrip

Can the tuberculosis I had 10 years ago still be contagious to others?

Hello Dr.
Hsu, thank you for your response.
On April 16, I finally mustered the courage to discuss my concerns with my boyfriend.
He admitted that he had genital warts about ten years ago, but he only underwent treatment once and has not had a recurrence since.
Having identified the cause, I was encouraged by him to see a doctor on April 17, and I underwent electrosurgery on April 19.
Since I consulted a colorectal specialist, the doctor only performed the electrosurgery around the anal area.
However, the doctor mentioned that some black protrusions were also treated during the procedure.
I noticed that there are still many black spots on both sides of the vulva, mostly flat, and I suspect they might also be warts, possibly requiring a second treatment.
These black spots were detected earlier than the transparent or beige pointed warts, but I never considered them to be genital warts, thinking they were just some age-related skin changes.
I would like to ask if these black spots are also manifestations of genital warts? Additionally, I am most curious about whether the genital warts my boyfriend had ten years ago can still be transmitted to others even if he is not experiencing any symptoms.
Does this mean that having had genital warts, even without symptoms, can still pose a risk of transmission? How long after treatment does one need to be symptom-free to confirm that they will not have a recurrence? My boyfriend has seen two doctors who both said he is not symptomatic and has not transmitted anything to me.
The doctors indicated that he is a carrier; does this mean that we will not transmit the virus to each other in the future? However, if he were to be with someone who has never had genital warts, could he transmit it to them? Thank you!

Danxin de ren, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/04/27

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Concerned individual: Hello, theoretically, if there has been no recurrence of the disease for over a year, it can be considered cured, and there should be no risk of reinfection.
As for the lesions you mentioned, a proper diagnosis cannot be made solely based on your description; it depends on the actual condition.
As long as there is no carrier status or if the condition is completely cured, and there have been no symptoms for over a year, there is no risk of transmission.
If it is within a year, or if there is uncertainty, there is still a possibility of transmission, and using condoms can help reduce the risk of mutual infection.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
This response is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2010/04/27

More Info

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various health issues, including genital warts and certain types of cancer. Your concerns about the potential for HPV to remain contagious after many years, as well as the implications of past infections, are valid and important to address.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that HPV can remain dormant in the body for years without causing any symptoms. This means that even if your boyfriend was treated for genital warts (also known as condylomata acuminata) ten years ago and has not had any visible symptoms since, he could still be a carrier of the virus. HPV can be transmitted even when an infected person does not have visible warts or other symptoms. This is because the virus can reside in the skin cells and may be shed intermittently, allowing for potential transmission during sexual contact.

Regarding the black spots you mentioned, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. While some skin changes can be benign, others may indicate the presence of HPV-related lesions. If these spots are indeed related to HPV, they may require further evaluation and possibly treatment.

As for your boyfriend's situation, if he has been treated for HPV and has not had any recurrences, it is possible that he is no longer contagious. However, the virus can sometimes remain in the body in a latent state. The general consensus is that after successful treatment and a period of time without any symptoms (often several months to years), the risk of transmission decreases significantly. However, it is important to note that HPV can be unpredictable, and some individuals may experience recurrences.

In terms of mutual transmission between partners, if both you and your boyfriend are aware of your HPV statuses and have been treated, the risk of re-infection or transmission between you two is lower. However, if either of you engages in sexual activity with someone who has not been previously infected or vaccinated against HPV, there is a risk of transmitting the virus to that new partner.

Regarding the timeline for confirming that one is no longer contagious after treatment, it varies. Generally, healthcare providers may suggest waiting for at least six months to a year after treatment before considering oneself free from the risk of transmission, especially if there have been no visible symptoms during that time.

In conclusion, while HPV can remain dormant and potentially contagious even after years, the risk of transmission decreases significantly after successful treatment and a period of symptom-free status. Regular check-ups and open communication with partners about HPV status are essential for managing the risks associated with this virus. If you have further concerns or questions, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

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