Your boyfriend was wrong. HPV is so common that about 50 percent of U.S. adults will have it at some point. You may even have gotten it from him. So put his ignorance right out of your mind. There are many, many strains and only a few of them cause genital warts. Did your doctor mention whether you had the warts or just didn't get specific with you at all?
In many people, HPV just goes away within two years. So watchful waiting is not uncommon, but you are within the age group the vaccine is recommended for, so you might want to ask about that. If you don't have one of the strains the vaccine covers it may still be worth vaccination. I would definitely call your gynecologist about that.
Otherwise, just eat healthy and be healthy, use protection when you have sex, and follow your doctor's instructions. Remember, half of all adults are in this boat with you. It does not mean you are dirty or anything else. It just means you are human.
We have information about STDs on the site here: https://www.empowher.com/condition/sexually-transmitted-diseases and the CDC has a good information sheet on HPV as well: http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
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Hi Shade_Ilmaendu-
Your boyfriend was wrong. HPV is so common that about 50 percent of U.S. adults will have it at some point. You may even have gotten it from him. So put his ignorance right out of your mind. There are many, many strains and only a few of them cause genital warts. Did your doctor mention whether you had the warts or just didn't get specific with you at all?
In many people, HPV just goes away within two years. So watchful waiting is not uncommon, but you are within the age group the vaccine is recommended for, so you might want to ask about that. If you don't have one of the strains the vaccine covers it may still be worth vaccination. I would definitely call your gynecologist about that.
Otherwise, just eat healthy and be healthy, use protection when you have sex, and follow your doctor's instructions. Remember, half of all adults are in this boat with you. It does not mean you are dirty or anything else. It just means you are human.
We have information about STDs on the site here: https://www.empowher.com/condition/sexually-transmitted-diseases and the CDC has a good information sheet on HPV as well: http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
Good luck to you.
May 3, 2010 - 7:06amThis Comment
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