Hi there Gutz,

Glad to have you online with us. "High risk" HPV types, as you correctly state, are so named because they are linked with cervical cancers. It's important to note that cervical cancer is acually a pretty uncommon outcome of "high risk" HPV infection, so the term is a little bit alarmist. The most important thing is to return for follow up exams (and Pap tests) as recommended.

It isn't clear just how you were diagnosed, with an abnormal Pap that led to an HPV DNA test, or if you have normal Paps but still tested positive on a DNA screening for HPV. Since you specifically mention HPV type 59, it seems like you've had a DNA test at some point.

I don't think the specific genotype (in this case, 59) is as important as simply knowing "high risk" HPV is present and then going back for follow ups. The info you need re: follow up, prognosis, partners, etc. won't change much if at all with one "high risk" type versus another. If you look up HPV 59 online, you'll mainly find scholarly papers that aren't of much interest in real world clinical practice, but they are of great interest to researchers.

HPV 59 is not likely to lead to external, visible lesions. Transmission of HPV in the absence of lesions (like warts or cervical cell changes) isn't too well understood, but the absence of detectable lesions doesn't mean the virus can 't be transmitted to a new partner. Latex condoms don't offer 100% protection with HPV, but are probably effective for the skin they cover. Hand to genital contact probably doesn't carry much risk: the focus of sexual transmission of HPV is on genital to genital (or anal) contact.

It might be possible to contract oral HPV by performing oral sex on a partner with genital virus, but the exact risk is not well understood. The HPV types associated with genital skin don't seem to cause oral symptoms very often that are detected clinically, but it's a good idea not to perform oral sex on a partner while any lesions are present.

Read the thread on discussing HPV with partners at http://www.ashastd.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=18. If we can be of more help, post anytime (sorry it took me so long to respond!).

All the best,
Fredo

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ASHA Moderator

My pap test was normal, but I do have to go back here pretty soon for a follow up to make sure everything is still okay. Thanks a lot for all your help. It makes me feel like the information I've found is right, and I'm doing everything I can to take care of myself. I don't feel quite as lost as I did before. I feel like I'm at least headed in the right direction. Thanks a bunch. I'm just glad I got a response at all, I was getting kind of worried

Hey gutz86.

I was reading your post and Fredo is the best to answer the question.

Also check out
www.hpvtest.com
www.maketheconnection.org

There you can find some helpful info too.

Take Care