Examination of sex partners for HPV infection

Content provided by Healthwise

Examination of sex partners for HPV infection

Male sex partners of women who have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may have genital warts.

• Most male sex partners of women with genital warts are also infected with warts, although they may not have symptoms.
• Many men are unaware that they have genital warts because the warts are so small that they cannot be seen and they do not have other symptoms.
• Male partners can be treated if the warts are large or are causing pain or bleeding.
• There is no evidence that treating an infected male partner lowers the woman's risk of developing genital warts after she has had her warts removed.
• Male partners with HPV may transmit HPV infection. Some types of HPV infections may not cause genital warts but may cause abnormal cervical cell changes. Genital warts are usually caused by low-risk types of HPV. Abnormal cervical cell changes may be caused by low- or high-risk types of HPV. There is no treatment for male partners who do not have genital warts but may have HPV.
• If a person has more than one sex partner, it is important to use condoms to reduce the transmission of HPV infection or any other sexually transmitted disease (STD).

HPV can also be transmitted by female sex partners. Condoms may reduce the risk of transmitting HPV.

Removing genital warts or treating abnormal cervical cells does not cure an HPV infection. The virus may remain in the body. It may still be possible to infect others with HPV after treatment.

In a long-term, single-partner (monogamous) relationship, partners may choose to discontinue condom use.

Credits

Last updated:	January 12, 2007
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC