Intimacy after cancer question

Hi.  I wonder if anyone could answer my question?  I had vulva cancer about 10 years ago.  I have only had intercourse a couple of times since then due to a few personal reasons.  One of them being I don't know if I could pass on hpv to a partner.  The strain I had caused my issue.  I have had all clear from smears and hpv checks since then.  I thought once you have hvp you have it for life.  Confusing?

  • Hello

    Most people clear the HPV virus within about two years, and you can only transmit it while you have the virus yourself.  I am honestly not sure if you can absolutely guarantee that you do not have it after your negative checks but I think you can take reassurance from this.  It is also important to remember that it is a very common virus and most sexually active people will have been exposed to it at some point in their lives.  In the vast majority of people it doesn't cause any problems.  I wonder if it would be helpful to have a chat with someone at a sexual health clinic, or possibly your practice nurse or GP.

    I hope that is helpful

    Martin