Hi Jamast0

The hpv virus can be in your system and yet go through phases when it is dormant and phases when it is active. There is no test for men for hpv, and as far as I am aware they don’t show any signs of it.

Your wife could have had the virus for years and it may not have shown up in tests before now. It does NOT mean that either of you have been unfaithful. Anyone who has had intimate contact at any time in their lives can have the virus. Often the body’s own immune system can clear it, but there are cases when for various reasons it can’t.

Having hpv doesn’t mean that someone is promiscuous...I was with my husband for 25 years and we were both faithful but I still had the virus. Having hpv also doesn’t mean that your wife will develop cancer. Has your wife been told she needs any further tests?

Hi

I too tested positive for HPV via a smear 18 months ago, I have been with my husband over 15 year and certainly neither of us has been unfaithful. Like you I wondered how I could have it but my GP explained, it can come and go over years/decades and is not even necessarily sexually transmitted, it is just so common. 

Only certain strains of HPV can develop into cancer, your wife may not have one of those, however she’ll be screened again in a year and if it is still present another year after, I’ve just been screened again and was told if I have a positive result for this and the next one then I would be referred for further investigation. 

I asked if my husband could do anything or needs to be tested and was told no, there is no need and nothing to be gained by doing so. 

Hope that helps a little, but please speak to your GP or visit a sexual health clinic if you need more reassurance. 

Best wishes 

Louise