HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Is The HPV Infection Transmitted?

My wife and I began dating in 1989 and we were married in 1990. I have not had sex with anyone except my wife since we started dating in 1989. I was 33 years old in 1989 - prior to my relationship with her I had been sexually active with other women. In 2015 my wife had a pap smear showing an HPV infection. She did not find out about this until she went back for her yearly fiscal a year later. She had another pap smear showed the HPV was gone. Her doctor told her that this was an STD and that I had to have been unfaithful to her. I know this to be untrue. Is there any medical explanation for the 2014 HPV infection? I know I was not unfaithful and I believe my wife when she says she wasn t either. Can HPV stay dormant this long?
Thu, 27 Apr 2023
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

HPV (Human papillomavirus) is a sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, such as the genitals or anus. It is a very common infection, and many people who have it do not show any symptoms.

HPV can remain dormant in the body for many years without causing any symptoms or visible signs of infection. In some cases, the immune system may be able to clear the infection on its own, without any treatment. However, HPV can also cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix, anus, or throat, which can lead to cancer if left untreated.

In your case, it is possible that you or your wife contracted HPV before your relationship began in 1989, and the infection remained dormant in your body until it was detected in 2014. It is also possible that one of you contracted the infection during your relationship, although you both believe that you were faithful to each other.

It is important to note that HPV is a very common infection, and it is possible to contract it even with only one sexual partner. The fact that your wife's HPV infection cleared on its own is a good sign, but she should continue to have regular Pap smears to monitor for any abnormal cell changes in the cervix.

If you have any concerns or questions about HPV or your wife's diagnosis, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
How Is The HPV Infection Transmitted?

Hi, HPV (Human papillomavirus) is a sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, such as the genitals or anus. It is a very common infection, and many people who have it do not show any symptoms. HPV can remain dormant in the body for many years without causing any symptoms or visible signs of infection. In some cases, the immune system may be able to clear the infection on its own, without any treatment. However, HPV can also cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix, anus, or throat, which can lead to cancer if left untreated. In your case, it is possible that you or your wife contracted HPV before your relationship began in 1989, and the infection remained dormant in your body until it was detected in 2014. It is also possible that one of you contracted the infection during your relationship, although you both believe that you were faithful to each other. It is important to note that HPV is a very common infection, and it is possible to contract it even with only one sexual partner. The fact that your wife s HPV infection cleared on its own is a good sign, but she should continue to have regular Pap smears to monitor for any abnormal cell changes in the cervix. If you have any concerns or questions about HPV or your wife s diagnosis, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician