Expert: DW - 9/15/2008

Question
Hi Diane,

My ex-boyfriend had genital warts and we had unprotected sex so I was
probably exposed to it from him.   I found out about this 2 years ago.  I
recently had a PAP and HPV test and the results were normal.  I do not have
any warts that I know of.  Still, I am concerned with passing it on to future
partners.

My gyno told me that as long as I use condoms and there are no warts on the
vulva or labia, then the risk of transmission is very low.  

However, I find that there is discrepancy on the internet regarding oral sex
and mutual masturbation.  Some sources say that it is very rare to transmit
HPV this way and others say that the chances are significant.  Could a man
get HPV if he does oral sex on me or touches me?

Thank you.

Answer
Hello Erin,

I would be cautious about anything on the internet. You have to do a lot of research. One of the myths going around, is that condoms protect from STD's. New studies have discounted this. I would not think that condoms would protect someone necessarily from transmission. I would not risk sexually behavior because it's not worth it to contract something. I recommend one partner in marriage and testing prior to that. Let me know what you think. You can email me privately at DWooley97@yahoo.com

Sincerely,
Diane W.