Can I prevent the transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) if I have genital warts?

If you have genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), it is not possible to completely prevent the transmission of the virus, but the risk of passing it on to others can be significantly reduced. HPV is spread through sexual contact, even if warts are not visible [1].

Ways to reduce the risk of HPV transmission

To reduce the risk of transmitting HPV, it is important to take several preventive steps. First, using condoms correctly significantly reduces the risk of contracting or transmitting HPV. However, it is important to note that condoms do not provide complete protection, as the virus or warts may be present on the surrounding skin that is not covered by the condom [1]. Therefore, it is important to understand that protection is not absolute.

Second, limiting the number of sexual partners over time and choosing a partner known to be uninfected can help reduce the risk of transmission. Avoiding partners who engage in high-risk sexual activities is also an important preventive measure [1].

Third, even after treating and removing genital warts, the HPV virus may still remain in the body, meaning that warts may return and the individual is still capable of transmitting the virus to others [3]. Therefore, precautions must continue even after treatment.

The importance of partner screening

Inform your current partner that you have genital warts; they may have been exposed to the virus even if they have no visible warts. Clinical examination to detect warts, as well as screening for other sexually transmitted infections based on evaluation, may be beneficial. Sexual contact alone does not mean that treatment is necessary for a partner who has no warts, and HPV testing is not recommended for partners for the purpose of assessing exposure to someone with warts [4].

The role of the HPV vaccine

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine does not treat existing genital warts, but it prevents infection with specific types of the virus that cause most genital warts and some types of cancer [1]. The vaccine provides maximum protection if administered before exposure to the virus, i.e., before the person becomes sexually active [3]. According to the recommendations of the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), routine vaccination is recommended at age 11 or 12 and can be started from age 9. The number of doses depends on the age at the start of the series and immune status: often two doses for those who start before their 15th birthday, and three doses for those starting between 15 and 26 years old, as well as for those with immunocompromise within the recommended age ranges [5]. Some adults aged 27 to 45 may decide to get the vaccine after discussing the risks of infection and the benefits of the vaccine with their healthcare provider [2].

Follow-up healthcare

After treatment for genital warts, you will need to return to your healthcare provider to ensure that all warts have cleared. The presence of genital warts alone does not mean that you need to repeat cervical screening more often than your appropriate routine schedule. Any abnormal screening result or lesion on the cervix, however, requires a physician's evaluation and a follow-up plan based on the diagnosis [4]. For more information about genital warts, their causes, and their treatment, you can visit Genital Warts: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment (Arabic).

Medical references

• Genital warts
• Genital Warts
• HPV Vaccination
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection - STI Treatment Guidelines
• HPV Vaccine Recommendations | HPV | CDC