HPV (human papillary) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Still, discovering that you or your partner may feel stressful and confused. It is normal to have many questions: What does this mean to our health? Does anyone cheat? Should we stop having sex?

We hear such concerns all the time because – whether you or your partner – any Sti diagnosis may feel worrying. This Q&A can clarify confusion, eliminate some common myths and help you support each other.

My partner has just been diagnosed with HPV. Does that mean they cheated?

No. The recent diagnosis of HPV does not necessarily mean that someone was unfaithful, even if you have together for a long time. It may take years after exposure to HPV before the development of symptoms or to detect the virus.

It is usually impossible to determine when or by whom you or your partner have HPV. In most cases, it is equally likely that you gave them, as they gave you.

You should also know that HPV is very contagious. In fact, most sexually active people will take HPV at some point in their lives. Understanding when or who is not really important.

My partner has just been diagnosed with HPV. Does that mean I have it? Will I give them back to them?

You may have it, but you will not continue to give it to each other. HPV is very contagious and the most sexually active people will take it at some point in their lives. The good news is that most cases of HPV do not cause health problems. Your immune system is able to clean the virus without knowing that you had it.

Most couples will share HPV, but you don’t go back and forth. In the end, your immune response suppresses infection. As soon as this happens, your immune system will remember this type of HPV which means you will not get a new infection with the same type.

However, there are many types of HPV. Building immunity to one does not mean that you will be immune to others.

My partner has just been diagnosed with HPV. Should I try?

Perhaps. This really depends on the parts of your body. If you have a cervix, you should regularly take a test with HPV and/or PAP tests (usually every three to five years). If you are not up to date on your view, try. If you are, talk to your provider about whether your partner’s diagnosis means you should try again earlier.

There are no regular HPV sorting tests for people with penis. Your provider may have visual examinations to exclude genital warts, but it is usually not recommended to try men when their partner is diagnosed.

My partner has just been diagnosed with HPV. Do we have to change our sex life?

No. HPV diagnosis does not need to change your sex life. It is likely that you have already been exposed to the HPV type your partner has (especially if you have together for a while). Once your immune system starts and suppresses the virus, it is unlikely to pass the same front and rear virus because you remember your immune system.

This is what your partner has to go through all kinds of treatment for HPV, he may need to take a break from sexual activity – especially penetrating sex – until the cervix is ​​cured. Supporting your partner through this and making sure they do not feel that they leave you down is really important.

I was just diagnosed with HPV. How can I tell my partner?

Honest. Being open and honest with your partner is the foundation of a good relationship. Tell your partner as soon as you find out so you don’t feel that you are hiding anything. Read the above answers to the questions your partner may have so you are ready to reassure them. The key points you might want to say to your partner are:

• HPV is very contagious and the most sexually active people will take it sometime.
• There is no way to know when I got it or from whom I got it because infections can be inactive for many years.
• Most HPV infections disappear on their own and do not cause health problems.
• I may have given it to you (or maybe you gave it to me), but we are not going to continue to go back and forth.
• I [do/don’t] Think you need to try, but you should ask the healthcare provider.

My partner has just been diagnosed with HPV. How do I support them?

Be polite and reassuring. It is great that you want to support your partner right now. Some people are upset or anxious when they find that they have HPV. You can assure them that it is very common and most HPV infections are harmless. An important thing you can do is reassure them that it doesn’t change how you feel about them or the relationship.

Some women discover at the same time for HPV, discover that they have cervical dysplasia that is considered a precancerous condition. Cervical dysplasia means that there are abnormal cells in their cervix that can be pre -registrar and could become cancer. This type of diagnosis can be scary to hear.

You can assure your partner that this is not a diagnosis of cancer and does not mean that they are going to get cancer. Abnormal cells can be removed on their own or your partner can be treated to prevent these cells from becoming cancer. They can even congratulate them and take care of their health and catch it early.

You can also support them through any testing or treatment monitoring by offering to drive them to their appointment or cook their dinner afterwards.

Any sexually transmitted diagnosis of infection can cause fear and confusion in a relationship, but there is no panic if you or your partner is diagnosed with HPV. Most cases of HPV do not cause health problems. If you are informed, stay honest and support each other, they should not cause relationship problems.