My husband has a genital wart. His theory for how it got there makes no sense.
Key Points:
- A reader's husband developed genital warts after 15 years of monogamy, raising concerns about infidelity; experts explain that HPV can remain dormant for years and reactivate due to immune changes, meaning the infection likely predates the relationship.
- Dr. Adam Friedman highlights that HPV reactivation is common and not necessarily linked to recent sexual activity, comparing its behavior to herpes simplex virus with frequent reactivations triggered by factors like stress or aging.
- For partners worried about HPV transmission, shared latent infections are common, and regular medical check-ups such as annual pap smears are recommended for vigilance and health monitoring.
- Another reader seeks advice on supporting a boyfriend who believes he has low testosterone and libido issues; the column suggests reassurance, exploring non-penetrative intimacy, medical consultation, and possibly couples counseling if concerns persist.
- A nonbinary reader new to dating and uncertain about their place on the asexual spectrum asks how to communicate their needs and interests, including kink preferences; the advice encourages honest, simple conversations over time, emphasizing consent, openness, and gradual exploration.