How to Tell a Partner About HPV

Human papillomavirus, most commonly referred to as HPV, is the sexually transmitted disease that causes genital warts in carriers of the virus. HPV is estimated to affect millions of people and over half of sexually active individuals have had HPV at one point or another in their lifetime. If you have been diagnosed with HPV, you should tell your partner about the STD.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Keep things casual. It's not like you are letting them know that you are terminal. Set up a private time for the two of you to talk without interruption. At home is typically the best place to discuss private medical matters.

2. Point out the facts. You should tell them about how common the STD is and that not all strains cause a person to develop genital warts.

3. Give them a brochure. On the CDC website, you can print out brochures about HPV and look it over with your partner when you let them know about the diagnosis.

4. Discuss safer sex. Your partner is likely to be concerned about contracting HPV. Using condoms during sex can greatly diminish the chance that the virus is passed to the person.

5. Stay calm when discussing HPV. If the person sees that you are upset, then they are likely to get worked up about the diagnosis.

6. Make an appointment with a doctor if they have any questions. If there are questions that you do not know how to answer, you should encourage them to speak confidentially with a physician.

Tips & Warnings

• It is especially important for women to get tested regularly for HPV through annual pap smears. HPV can cause cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.
• Most sufferers of HPV never know that they have the virus. You can carry the virus and be symptom free. Many times, the virus goes away without the need for intervention.

Resources

• Find out the facts about HDV on the CDC website.

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