Q:

I was recently diagnosed with asymptomatic HPV through an abnormal pap smear. I'm wondering what the chances are that my boyfriend could contract it, if we have ALWAYS used a condom and always do. I also heard that HPV can run it's course and be out of your system within 2 years, especially if you received the guardisil vaccine...is this true?

 

A:

Condoms are not particularly effective at preventing HPV transmission since the virus thrives on skin beyond the latex barrier.  Depending on what type of HPV you have (that should have been tested automatically with your pap) it can sometimes be monitored without treatment if it is a low risk (for cervical cancer) type.

~The Doc