Confused - do I have hvp or not??

[tweet805]

I wrote a post earlier today about how my partner was diagnosed with hpv yesterday. After worrying all night, today we went to the doctor, who checked me out and said I haven't contracted it.  From the information I've read I thought I was sure to have it, so I'm relieved, but a bit concerned I could have it but it just hasn't presented. My partner has chosen to take retrovirals and have them cauterised on Monday.

What kind of precatuions should we take?

I'm going to get the Gardasil vaccine asap - but that will mean I'm not immune (to 4 kinds of hpv)  for 6 months still.  Should we use condoms through that whole time?  And even if we do use condoms, will there still be a significant risk of me contracting the hpv from him?

Also, I have a small, painful red bump on my breast bone which hurts to squeeze. It looks more like a small blister than a wart, but could this be related to the hvp??

Any help would be really, really apprecaited. Thank you!

[tweet805]

Thanks for the reassurance - it's just good to hear from someone who's already been through all of this.  I think because of the stigma hpv has it can be really scary to get diagnosed - this forum is really helping me feel less alone.  Thanks :)

[Mr_Guy]

I've had hpv for a couple of years now, so I know what it must've felt like to get the news. But, you gotta understand that 80% of ppl get it at some point in their lifetime. But, in your case, condoms might not completely cover the affected area, so there's still some risk involved, but a lot lower than if you were to have sex unprotected. Depending on the hpv, the immune system can suppress the virus within 8-24months. So, it's not forever. it's actually really hard to avoid the virus in your lifetime.

As for your bump, you have to get it checked out, but it sounds like an ingrown hair. I wouldn't worry too much about it. But, again, get it checked out.

Good luck!