My husband has recently developed genital warts. He swears he has been faithful to me and that he got the from his ex wife
years ago. Can the virus remain dormantfor years ?
Also, is there anything I can do to keep them from showing up on me since we have had a lot of unprotected sex over the course of several years ?
2007-05-02 15:26:36 · 4 answers · asked by txharleygirl1 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
Yes, genital warts can take several months and even years to show up after a person has been infected with HPV. Some people will never develop them, even if they have HPV. Not all kinds of HPV cause genital warts.
I have personally had HPV for over 6 years. I didn't develop genital warts from it till about a year ago. It took 5 years for them to show up on me!
It's very possible your husband contracted the virus years ago from his ex wife. And, it's very possible he spread it to you (knowingly or unknowingly). If I were you, I would get tested. A pap smear can tell you whether you have HPV or not. It can also detect any abnormalities on the cervix like abnormal cells which can lead to cervical cancer.
Good luck!
2007-05-03 04:42:59 · answer #1 · answered by Alli 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might already have the virus and not know it. However, if you don't, it might still be a good idea to protect yourself. There is a new HPV vaccine available, but it is only for women aged 9-26, and since you say you have been married for several yrs., and it is your husband's second marriage, I suspect you could be past that. The vaccine also only protects against 4 strains of the virus, although they are the most common ones. You might want to try using condoms for awhile, until you have time to speak to your gynocologist. I would really recommend going to your gynocologist for advice.
2007-05-02 22:42:50 · answer #2 · answered by RxGirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most likely, you have it already or have had it. you can ask your doctor to test you for the hpv virus. but really, there is nothing to do about it until you either get warts or an abnormal pap smear. there is no cure and nothing to prevent the complications of hpv. the only thing that you can do is to stop smoking if you do smoke.
2007-05-02 22:50:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
HPV can lay dormant for years, especially in men, who rarely develop symptoms. Unfortunately, you probably have it too. You and your husband should sit down and have a talk with your gyno.
2007-05-02 22:36:23 · answer #4 · answered by Saria 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋