Dear doctor, My husband went to the doctor today as he discovered small blisters under his foreskin. The doctor diagnosed genital warts. Since he discovered the warts we have been using condoms for sex, as his doctor advised. I have already made an appointment with my gynecologist for next week. But now I have another question, which I find extremely embarrassing. That's why I'm contacting you first! I would like to know the routes of infection! My husband's doctor said it was only sexually transmitted! But we both trust each other 100% and haven't had sex with other partners since we've been a couple (3 years, married since 1 year). Should I be worried? Is my husband having an extramarital affair? Thank you in advance for your answer, it will help me a lot. Sandrine*, 30 years old *name anonymized
Dear Sandrine, Many patients wonder about their partner's fidelity after detecting an infection that can be transmitted sexually. To answer your question I will start by giving you some information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and condyloma acuminata first: Genital warts are caused by HPVs Genital warts are the first sexually transmitted disease in the world. They are caused by HPVs, highly contagious viruses. Indeed, the risk of contamination after a single sexual contact is around 60 to 70%. Contamination occurs through direct contact with lesions containing the virus, during sexual intercourse, where the genitals and anal or oral parts come into contact. Condoms provide imperfect protection against HPV infection because they do not cover all of the genitals
The time span for the appearance of condyloma after HPV contamination varies The time between contamination with HPV and the appearance of condyloma is two to six months or even several years, without knowing exactly why. The virus can also remain latent in the body for a long time following past contamination, and suddenly reactivate, e.g. when the host's immune defenses drops. Smoking is a risk factor for recurrence.
More than 95% of cervical cancers are linked to HPV infections HPVs are also the cause of most cases of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. It is therefor important to regularly do Pap smears to detect pre-cancerous cells. Thus a precancerous lesion can be treated before it turns into cancer. It is also possible to get vaccinated against HPV. The effectiveness of vaccination is close to 100% for the HPV viruses concerned, if it is done before the first sexual intercourse. After the start of sexual life, protection is no longer effective against HPV viruses already contracted.
Draw conclusions on fidelity after appearance of condyloma accuminata I can't tell you whether your husband is having an affair. But I can tell you that it is quite possible that the HPV which is responsible for the appearance of condyloma in your husband was already present in one of you before the start of your relationship. If you don't have another reason to doubt your partner's fidelity, the appearance of warts shouldn't put his fidelity into question. Finally, I recommend that your partner has the warts treated. While the warts are visible, protect yourself with a condom to reduce the risk of contamination. And to prevent cancer of the cervix: do the smear screening regularly. Cordially, Dr Sandra Yene Amougui
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