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Human papillomavirus (HPV) includes over 100 different strains, 40 of which are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Approximately 14 million Americans contract HPV yearly, with 80 million infected in total, making it the most common STI. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that virtually all sexually active adults contract HPV at some point.
Despite how common the virus is, HPV often causes stress and relationship strains, especially considering that different HPV types can cause cervical cancers, genital warts, and more. So, can partners pass HPV back and forth? Below, our Rapid STD Testing team explains what you need to know.
All sexually active adults are at risk of contracting HPV. The virus spreads through skin contact, which means you can contract it without having penetrative sex. HPV can spread through oral sex, anal sex, open-mouth kissing, contact with bodily fluids, and more.
Different factors affect your risk of infection. The top risk factors include the following:
Testing for HPV is not as straightforward as for other STIs. No blood exam exists for men with HPV. Women can take an HPV exam to test for the strains that cause different types of cancer.
Because of these complications, doctors typically perform physical exams to diagnose HPV. If the virus presents itself as genital warts, your doctor can examine the area and diagnose it as HPV warts.
Women over 30 can receive regular HPV screenings during their physical and pap exams to maintain cervical health and check for abnormalities. If your doctor detects warts, they may choose to biopsy the area to determine whether or not it’s a cancer-causing strain by viewing any abnormal cells.
If you’re concerned about symptoms that may be HPV, you should visit your doctor or take a 10-panel STD test to rule out other infections. Many often confuse HPV with other STIs that require more immediate attention. You can order same-day STD testing from Rapid STD Testing for fast and discrete results.
Can partners pass HPV back and forth? To answer this question, you must understand how the different strains interact with your body’s immune system. If you contract one type of HPV, you may build a natural immunity to it, though that doesn’t protect you from contracting additional, more dangerous strains.
Partners may pass different types of HPV between each other, causing reinfection. For example, you may contract genital warts from your current partner while infecting them with a different strain of HPV that you contracted from previous partners.
HPV can take months or longer to display symptoms. You can enter a committed relationship without symptoms before noticing warts or discomfort. Such complications display the importance of open communication without placing “blame.”
If you have HPV, your partner likely has it as well, though that does not mean they will display symptoms. HPV can transfer via skin-to-skin contact, so even if you and your partner use protection, it may still spread. For example, a condom cannot protect all areas surrounding the genitals.
You can still get an STD if both partners are clean and test negative because HPV does not appear on standard screenings.
If you have HPV and think you may have transferred it to a male partner, they cannot get tested. If they notice any symptoms, they can receive a physical exam from their doctor. Female partners may get blood tested for certain strains.
While partners can pass a few strains back and forth initially, both immune systems will build a tolerance eventually. Couples may share HPV strains and symptoms for the first few months or year of the relationship until their bodies learn to fight off the virus. In most scenarios, monogamous couples will not contract more than one or two strains during their relationship.
HPV treatment depends on your symptoms and strain. Asymptomatic HPV does not require treatment. If the virus develops into one of the following conditions, you may need medications or surgery:
Women may also receive HPV vaccinations against the cancer-causing strains to prevent future complications. You can speak with your doctor about your options.
Discussing an HPV diagnosis with your partner can feel overwhelming, nerve-wracking, and emotional. A lack of general education and public knowledge creates an overall negative stigma surrounding STDs, even though essentially all sexually active adults have HPV, whether they know it or not. Transparency and education can help remove this stigma, allowing more people to receive the treatment they need.
We recommend the following tips to help make the conversation with your partner easier:
You should inform your partner that you have HPV, especially if you have genital warts that can easily spread. Telling them ahead of time can help them understand what symptoms to watch out for, so they can receive treatment as soon as possible.
Can partners pass HPV back and forth? If you are in a long-term monogamous relationship, you will already have built up an immunity to whatever strains you share. However, if you have multiple sexual partners or are entering a new relationship, getting tested or diagnosed can build trust from the start. Either way, we recommend the following tips:
HPV outbreaks are incredibly common, though learning how the virus passes between sexual partners can help you reduce the spread. Now that you know the answer to “Can partners pass HPV back and forth?” it’s time to educate your partner and receive regular screenings.
Whether you notice symptoms or not, receiving regular STD exams can help you stay on top of your health. Order 10-panel rapid STD tests from Rapid STD Testing, contact us at (866) 872-1888 with any questions, or visit your local STD testing center if you notice any symptoms.
No embarrassing exams, long waiting lines, or multiple visits. Just a quick lab visit for fast results.
With a profound passion for making intricate medical information accessible to all, John possesses a unique ability to simplify complex concepts without sacrificing accuracy or depth. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of various healthcare fields, John is well-versed in the latest research and advancements. However, what truly sets him apart is his remarkable talent for distilling this wealth of knowledge into engaging, reader-friendly content.