Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

HPV latency period

Could someone PLEASE give me an answer to the question about how long HPV can be in your system prior to an outbreak?  I have done a lot of research on this, and the only information I can get is that you can have HPV "for months or several years" prior to an outbreak.  I was just dxd with genital warts, and am baffled (among other things) as to how/when I got this.  I have been with my husband for 12 years, and am trying to determine whether it is possible that he unknowingly gave this to me, or whether this strain of HPV could have remained dormant from a period of time before this.  Also, it is typical to have a brownish discharge with HPV, or is this likely indicative of an infection that is occurring?

Thank-you very much in advance for your assistance/answers!


This discussion is related to HPV conventional wisdom and new research.
10 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi there -

Its possible that either of you had this before and it just became active.  The longest I've ever seen anyone go is 7 years, but HPV is one that its tough to rule anything out with.

The brown discharge isn't from the warts, but could be bacterial vaginosis, or another std (which would then be proof).  Have you talked to your doc about the discharge?

AJ
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, I have.  She has put me on antibiotics, so I'm waiting to see if that takes care of it.  She didn't tell me what it might be caused from, although she did a PAP.  I haven't yet heard back from her re: results as yet.
Helpful - 0
207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
What antibiotic did she put you on?

AJ
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Amoxicillin - 500 mg t.i.d. (every 8 hours) for ten days.
Helpful - 0
207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
The only thing I can think of offhand that amox will cure vaginally is group b strep.

It won't cure chlamydia, gonorrhea, or bv, so I'm wondering if she thinks you have group b strep, or just gave you the wrong antibiotic.

AJ
Helpful - 0
207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
Are you pregnant?  An alternative treatment for chlamydia infections during pregnancy is amox, but not at that dose.



AJ
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
No.  I had a baby seven months ago.  Not sure why she chose Amox; I guess I just trust her to write the correct script.  She gave me this script prior to results of my pap; just when I told her that I thought I had an infection, and told her about the brown discharge.  She visually examined two of the growths on my vagina, and told me that the one was a wart, then referred me to a gyno (appointment in two months time).
Helpful - 0
207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
Two months?  Gotta love our medical system here, huh?

If you want to get treated sooner, you can try Planned Parenthood and see if you can get in sooner.  They also take most insurances.

AJ
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm actually from Canada, and waiting periods for specialists are long sometimes (I realize, though, that we are lucky to have free health care).  I really appreciate your information and help.  Do you mind my asking whether you are a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or another person dealing wtih HPV?  You just seem to be educated about meds/doseages, etc., so wondered if your profession was in the medical field.  Thanks again, AJ!
Helpful - 0
207091 tn?1337709493
COMMUNITY LEADER
I have worked in the std field for a long time, as an educator, disease investigator, doing HIV and Hep C testing, etc.

Oh yes Canada.  Your system does have its disadvantages, not that ours doesn't.

AJ
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.