Risk Assessment and Disclosure for Future Female Partners

Understanding Your Current Risk Status

Most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system within 9-12 months, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 1
The immune system clears HPV infection most of the time, though in some persons HPV infection does not resolve, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2, 3
At 17 months post-exposure, the likelihood that you still harbor an active, transmissible infection is substantially reduced, based on findings from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 1

The absolute risk of your partner developing HPV-related cancer is extremely low, even if transmission occurs, according to the European Society for Medical Oncology 7, 8
Consistent condom use can reduce the risk of cervical and vulvovaginal HPV infection by approximately 70% when used correctly and consistently, as recommended by the CDC 3, 5, 6, 4

HPV is extremely common and most sexually active persons get HPV at some time in their lives, as stated by the CDC 2, 3, 5, 6
You should ensure your partner is vaccinated against HPV if she hasn't been already, as recommended by the CDC 3, 5
Your partner should follow normal gynecological health guidelines, including routine cervical screening (Pap tests), as recommended by the European Society for Medical Oncology and the CDC 7, 8, 4

Ensure she receives the HPV vaccine if not already vaccinated (recommended for ages 9-26 years, can be considered up to age 45), as recommended by the CDC 3, 5, 4
Follow routine cervical cancer screening guidelines with regular Pap tests, as recommended by the European Society for Medical Oncology and the CDC 7, 8, 4
Consider consistent condom use, understanding it provides partial but not complete protection, as recommended by the CDC 3, 5, 6, 4