Low-risk HPV genotypes, the ones responsible for the development of warts, can occur in any sexually active person. The only way, therefore, to reduce the risk of infection is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to have intercourse only with a partner who only has intercourse with you. Even the use of condoms does not offer 100% protection against transmission of the virus. If a person develops genital warts, then abstinence from all sexual activity is recommended until the lesions are completely removed.
Because “strict monogamy” is practically impractical, the best way of prevention is to use a condom at every sexual intercourse, not to change sexual partners too often, to regularly visit and get examined by a dermatologist and to apply the HPV vaccine before starting sexual intercourse.
In addition to people who regularly change sexual partners, people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infection. The percentage of sexually active men who are about to become infected with HPV is as high as 50%, and research has shown that a woman’s chance of becoming infected with HPV is higher in women who consume several alcoholic drinks, as well as in those who have regular sexual intercourse. The riskiest age for a woman is in her 20s and gradually decreases until 35.
The diagnosis of genital warts is clinical, as their form is characteristic and should be carried out by an experienced dermatologist in order to suggest the appropriate method of treatment for the affected area, Whereas biopsy is used only in cases where a differential diagnosis of warts from other lesions occurring in the area and presenting the same clinical picture is required, such as syphilis, nevi, papillomas, warts, infectious tremor, genital malformations and cancers.