Is It Safe To Have Unprotected Intercourse While Getting Treatment For Genital Warts?

Posted on Mon, 6 Apr 2015

Question: Hello, I am a 36 y/o female. My new boyfriend was treated for genital warts just before we met. I have started the Guardasil vaccine and have not had intercourse with him. How long after the completion of the 3 dose of vaccine is it safe to have unprotected intercourse. How long does it take for the vaccine to work.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
1 month post last dose is better.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
Welcome to health care magic.
Warts can be caused by many strains of HPV.Gardasil covers 4 common strains.Usually the protection rate is good if vaccine is given prior to onset of sexual activity.It can go up to 100%.
Usually by 1 month post 3 rd dose,the protection rate is good.
Wart is a benign condition and you need not worry about it.But they can be transmitted even by skin to skin contact or as STDs .
You can wait for 1 month post last dose for better protection.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venerologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar