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Hello everyone,
I am an 18 year girl who has recently entered her first sexual relationship of a boyfriend of 6 months. A few weeks ago, I noticed a few bumps surrounding the outside of my vagina, not thinking anything of it - I booked a STD testing with my sexual health clinic just to be safe. I assumed they were shaving marks as my boyfriend was recently tested and came back clear, and we shared no physical symptoms of Std’s.
So, I head to the doctors office and explain the bumps. The nurse took one look and just said ‘ah it’s just HPV’. I was confused and upset, how on Earth had a managed to get a STD? I’ve only slept with one partner and we have used condoms 99% of the time, both assuming we were clean!
She said the bumps I had were warts, which she froze. Two of weeks later the bumps hadn’t really changed, so I went yesterday to get them frozen again - they seem to be getting smaller.
My question is, assuming my boyfriend is the one who has given me genital warts, why hasn’t he shown any symptoms?
I’m very researched on the topic now and understand this virus will pass within the new few years, and I understand there’s no testing for men, and many people don’t show symptoms.
However, I wanted to know when I can start to have sex again? The doctor seemed so chill about it all, saying as long as I use condoms I will be fine, even when the warts were still there?!
My boyfriend is actually away at the moment for 4 months and I am yet to tell him about my diagnosis, but I would like to have sex with him once he is back, without having to worry.
I just wondered on when I would be able to have sex again safely without this worry, how long does it take for warts to clear up? Even though it’s so common and most people are telling me it’s nothing to worry about, it’s having a very negative impact on my mental health and it’s causing me a lot of anxiety.
In the meantime I’ve done my research and I’m doing everything I can to suppress this virus ASAP and treat the physical warts, such as treatment and boosting my immune system with a healthy diet and supplements. But I would just like to know when I can go back to having a normal sex life. Is this something that is going to ruin my relationships? :(
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much!
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Add a Comment3 Comments
Hello. Thank you for posting.
Sex with genital warts is possible if you take some precautions. The warts are most contagious when they are present although you carry the virus that causes them even when they are not. If you have active warts, it is best to avoid having sex until they are gone. If you choose to have sex, make sure to use a condom every time. Keep in mind, condoms will not protect a person completely. HPV can be found anywhere in the genital area and if a person has it in an area that is not covered by the condom, the virus could still be passed. You should also discuss your genital warts with your partner so that he understands the risks that are involved.
Helena
May 13, 2018 - 11:52amThis Comment
Thankyou for the reply. My main query is, how long will it take for my warts to go? I know it can vary but do you think they would be treated or the virus could go dormant within 4 months?
May 13, 2018 - 1:46pmThis Comment
Hello, again.
Most HPV infections that cause genital warts will go away on their own, taking anywhere from a few months to 2 years. Keep in mind, even if your genital warts disappear, you may still have the virus. The warts will likely go away after the last treatment you had, but we cannot predict this.
Helena
May 13, 2018 - 3:22pmThis Comment