Loading...
Previous studies suggest that about one third of women test positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection within 1 year after initiating intercourse. To determine the risk for infection associated with a first male partner, investigators surveyed 244 women aged 18 to 22 who reported that they had never had intercourse or had first had intercourse with a male partner within 3 months of study entry.
Participants completed an online sexual behavior questionnaire every 2 weeks and were tested for HPV DNA with self- or clinician-collected vaginal swabs every 4 months for 3 years, or until they reported intercourse with a second partner. Of the 130 women (mean age, 19.4; mean age of menarche, 12.5) who had at least one clinic visit after initi…