Can You Get Genital Warts Despite a Faithful Husband?
Yes, you can absolutely develop genital warts even if your husband has been completely faithful, because HPV can remain dormant for years or even decades before causing visible warts, making it impossible to determine when or from whom the infection was acquired. 1
Why This Happens: HPV's Unique Biology
HPV infection typically occurs long before warts appear. The CDC explicitly states that it is usually impossible to know from whom or when one acquired HPV because most people don't know they have it, and the virus is extremely common. 2
A diagnosis of genital warts should NOT be interpreted as evidence of sexual infidelity. The CDC emphasizes that HPV can remain dormant and reactivate years after the initial infection. 1 This means either partner could have acquired the virus from a previous relationship—even decades ago—and only now developed visible warts.
Both partners are usually already infected by the time one person is diagnosed. Within an ongoing sexual relationship, both partners typically already have the virus—often without any visible signs—by the time warts appear in one person. 1
The Asymptomatic Transmission Problem
Most HPV infections never cause visible symptoms. The majority of people infected with HPV do not develop symptoms and therefore don't know they are infected. 2 Your husband could have HPV and be transmitting it without either of you knowing.
Transmission occurs regardless of symptoms. Genital warts can be transmitted to others even when no visible signs of warts are present, and even after warts are treated. 1 The presence or absence of symptoms is completely irrelevant to transmission risk. 1
No test exists to screen men for HPV. The CDC explicitly states that no clinically validated HPV test exists for men, so there is no way to determine if your husband carries the virus. 1, 3
Why Condoms Don't Fully Protect
Condoms provide only partial protection against HPV. The CDC states that correct and consistent condom use can lower the chances of transmission, but is not fully protective because HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom, including the vulva, scrotum, perineum, and perianal region. 1, 4
One study showed 70% risk reduction with perfect condom use, but this still leaves substantial transmission risk even with consistent protection. 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not assume infidelity based on a genital warts diagnosis. This is one of the most important counseling points, as HPV's long latency period and high prevalence make it impossible to determine the source or timing of infection. 2, 1
Do not rely on the absence of symptoms in your partner. Most sexually active adults will get HPV at some point, and most will never know it because infections are typically subclinical. 3
Understand that HPV is extraordinarily common. The CDC notes that most sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives, making it nearly ubiquitous in sexually active populations. 2, 1
What This Means for You
The number of lifetime sexual partners is the strongest predictor of HPV infection, but infection can still occur in individuals with only a single lifetime partner. 1 If either you or your husband had any previous sexual partners—even years or decades ago—that could be the source.
Treatment focuses on removing visible warts, not eliminating the virus. Effective treatment may reduce HPV viral load but cannot completely eradicate the infection. 5 Warts commonly recur after treatment, especially in the first 3 months. 1
Both you and your husband should be screened for other STDs if one of you has genital warts, as recommended by the CDC. 1