If my partner and i both have hpv, do we need to use protection?

Protection...: ...Is always a good idea. Hpv is not the only std that can be silent in the infected partner.

Not necessary: No problem when both are sharing the same HPV strain. When genital HPV shows up in one person in a couple who have been together a long time, it can be assumed the other is also infected, or is perhaps had it and is now immune to the same strain. At that point, there is no point in avoiding sex or otherwise changing sexual practices. Both have it and neither will be harmed by continuing exposure.