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Thu 16 Jun, 2005 04:39 pm
I went to my Doctor today who tested me only to reveal that I've been infected with HPV. The only person that I could have gotten this from is my boyfriend. Obviously I should tell him, but what if he knew he had this? Then what do I say?
"Genital warts range from cauliflower-like growths that are easily seen to smooth bumps or flat, almost invisible growths. Some warts are hard and rough and others soft and fleshy. They are painless, but may bleed easily or itch. Warts usually remain small (less than a quarter inch in size), but very large warts (sometimes an inch or more across) sometimes occur if warts are not treated when small. Warts are most common at sites of friction or rubbing during sex. Therefore, the most common sites in women are on the labia minor or around the vaginal opening. In men, the head or shaft of the penis is most commonly involved. However, warts commonly are seen in other areas, such as the anus, scrotum, or labia major. Anal warts are most common in gay men, but also occur frequently in both women and heterosexual men. Warts usually appear a few weeks up to 3 months after catching HPV, but sometimes warts may first appear many months or even a few years after catching the virus. Therefore, the appearance of warts doesn't always mean recent sex with an infected partner. "
http://www.metrokc.gov/health/apu/std/hpv.htm#symptoms
The 1st step is getting him tested and finding out the results. You may very well have gotten it from him but he may be asymptomatic and not know at all. Unless he's the ONLY person you've ever had sex with it's possible that he may bnot have it at all or that you may have passed it on to him too.
Take the 1st step and find out the status before worrying about 2nd and 3rd steps.
I seem to remember that this is very, very common -- I think Dan Savage had a column on it recently, I'll go look.