Dear Sexpert,
My girlfriend recently found out she has genital warts, which she thinks she got from me, since I’ve been her only partner recently. I have not had any symptoms of my own. Is it possible I gave them to her? I’ve heard a lot of stuff about genital warts causing cancer. Is this really the case? What are the long term health implications of genital warts for women? Is there any way to prevent transmitting them? Is there a vaccine against genital warts?
— Bumpy
Dear Bumpy,
First, thank you for reaching out for more information on this tough issue. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, which is frequently (although not always) transmitted sexually. There are many types of HPV infection, and some types may cause warts, including genital, flat, plantar or “common” warts. Genital HPV is caused by sexual intercourse and other skin-to-skin contact that involves the genital area.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and most people who have experienced an HPV infection are unaware of their status. In addition, it is possible to transmit this virus to a partner even if you’ve never had any growths or other symptoms yourself. On the other hand, the time between when someone is exposed to HPV and when they develop genital warts or other symptoms varies widely so it’s possible your girlfriend was exposed a while ago and only actually developed the warts relatively recently.
There are 15 types of HPV classified as high risk, two types (16 and 18) account for 70% of cervical cancer. However, the strains of HPV associated with genital warts are generally not considered high-risk strains. There are currently two vaccines on the market that work to protect against several HPV strains. The vaccines protect against different things for different people, so you and your girlfriend may want to talk to a health professional about whether you might benefit from getting one of these vaccines.
There are several ways to protect yourself against HPV and other STIs. Because HPV is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, practicing safer sex with a condom or dental dam and avoiding sexual contact when the warts are visible can help to reduce the risk of transmission of genital warts, although it will not eliminate it entirely.
I recommend that you make an appointment with Sexual Health and Wellness Services at UHS in order to get a sexual health checkup. They offer low to no-cost testing services and will be able to talk with you more about your own health status and your options for protecting yourself and your partner.
— The Sexpert
The Sexpert is written by a team of peer sexual health educators and fact-checked by University health professionals. Submit questions to sexpert@dailyprincetonian.com. Don’t be shy!
Read More
Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment approves renovations to Tower and Charter Clubs
Sena Chang and Isaac BernsteinOn March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
On March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
Students support local businesses with new platform Zage
Jack AllenAfter hearing about the struggles faced by a number of these restaurants after students left campus in mid-March, Dilbagi created Zage, an online platform that allows community members to send money to local businesses now to redeem as credits on their purchases in the future.
This fall, go beyond the 'Bubble'
Dora ZhaoEven though classes are picking up, weekends are the perfect time for students to escape the Orange Bubble. While going out to eat on Nassau is enjoyable, there is so much to see beyond Princeton. For those looking for a day trip or a chance to explore the area outside of Princeton, here is a list of ideas to do this fall.