I Am Wanting Advice On HPV Strain 16. My Partner

Posted on Tue, 24 Sep 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I am wanting advice on HPV strain 16. My partner recently had the new cervical smear which returned a positive result for strain HPV 16.
She was told by her physician that she cannot pass this strain of HPV onto me, is this correct?
I had HPV treatment 30yrs ago for warts, probably strain 6 or 11. Never had further issues, I'm now 50.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
HPV 16 is a sexually transmitted infection so there is a risk or transmission in your case

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

I am not sure why the doctor told your partner that she can not transmit the infection as this is an infection that is sexually transmitted and can be transmitted between sexual partners.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease and the natural infection causes a very weak immune memory. This means that if you had HPV previously, the memory developed by your immune system to fight future exposure is expected to be weak and insufficient.

To conclude:
- HPV is a sexually transmitted infection and it does pose a risk of transmission between sexual partners
- your previous infection may cause a very weak immune memory so it is less likely it will provide protection.
- Also, it is not sure if the immunity to one HPV causes protection to other forms of HPV. Even if you are immune to HPV 6 or 11, this may not provide protection against HPV 16.

I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D