Management of Sex Partners
Examination of sex partners is not necessary for the management of genital warts because no data indicate that reinfection plays a role in recurrences.
Additionally, providing treatment solely for the purpose of preventing future transmission cannot be recommended because the value of treatment in reducing infectivity is not known.
However, because self- or partner-examination has not been evaluated as a diagnostic method for genital warts, sex partners of patients who have genital warts may benefit from examination to assess the presence of genital warts and other STDs.
The counseling of sex partners provides an opportunity for these partners to:
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Learn about implications of having a partner who has genital warts and about their potential for future disease transmission.
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Receive STD and Pap screening. Female sex partners of patients who have genital warts should be reminded that cytologic screening for cervical cancer is recommended for all sexually active women.
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