Hello, and I hope I can answer your question.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control in the US) there are no approved tests for HPV in men. There is no "pap test" for a man that is commercially available, unless you tested (which would entail a brush or swab taken from deep in your penis) in a part of a medical research protocol. In the US, 80 percent of sexually active adults are HPV carriers, and high rates are reported internationally as well. I have seen virgins who test positive for HPV so it can be transmitted even without sexual intercourse.

So unfortunately, your risk of being an HPV carrier is directly proportional to the number of lifetime sexual partners you have had. It is likely you are a carrier given your sexual history before your marriage. There is no way other then complete abstinence, even from rubbing or touching. So it is not your fault if you unknowingly infected your wife.

Regarding her result, it is impossible to know how long she has had HPV unless she has been tested repeatedly. If her previous tests were negative and this is her first positive test, usually it takes 6 months to two years for the test to become positive after infection, or HPV can be dormant for a long time and be reactivated if your wife has any medical conditions that decrease her immune system.

So in summary, the greatest likelihood is that you were not tested for HPV or received misinformation. You can refer to the website cdc.gov for information on HPV for men. HPV in men has no symptoms, and it can be associated with certain male cancers but there is no way to "cure" HPV. And if it would be helpful you may share this answer with your wife. In her HPV is a risk for cervical cancer but it can be completely avoided as long as your wife has normal PAP tests and continues to get them regularly.

I hope this information was helpful and best of luck.

Regards, Dr. Brown