both people with hpv infection and their partners need to be counseled about the risk of spreading hpv and the appearance of the lesions. they should understand that the absence of lesions does not exclude the possibility of transmission and that condoms are not completely effective in preventing the spread of the infection. it is important to note that it is not known whether treatment decreases infectivity. finally female partners of men with genital warts should be reminded of the importance of regular pap smears to screen for cervical cancer and precancerous changes in the cervix since precancerous changes can be treated and reduce a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer. similarly men should be informed of the potential risk of anal cancers although it is not yet been determined how to optimally screen for or manage early anal cancer.
what should a person do if exposed to someone with genital warts?