Navigating an HPV diagnosis

Hi there. I’m a 23 yr old queer transmasculine person who has been engaging only in solo sex for the past four years. I recently got my first pap smear and it came back saying I have a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ugh!). This is most likely HPV, though I have not had an HPV test yet and do not know what strain I have.

I’m working with my gyno, my primary care provider, therapist, and endocrinologist to process this and come up with a treatment plan. That being said – I have no idea who gave it to me or when, and am seeking more information about how to protect future partners. I will 100% be disclosing my status to any potential partner, and am in the process of contacting all previous partners once I have more information.

My specific questions is in regard to toys and how to have the safest possible sex in the future. I am also talking with health professionals about this. I’m very emotional and feeling the weight of stigma heavy on my shoulders.

Is a healthy sex life possible with HPV? What do I do? Can I share toys any more or never again?

1 Like

Hi Pebbles. I’m sorry about this being such a stressful thing to navigate, but you are handling it really well, so kudos to you!

Let me get back with some resources and definite answers, but I just wanted to chime in that you can totally have a healthy sex life with HPV! I have multiple friends who have it, and have active sex lives. I’ll be back with some more answers, but just wanted to let you know that it’s possible and sending ya some love!