Recurrence and Transmission of HPV-Related Warts in Urology

Q: Recurrence and Transmission of HPV-Related Warts in Urology

Hello： 1. <br>The recurrence rate of warts (condyloma) is very high. <br>If the lesions have been completely removed, does recurrence mean that warts (lesions) reappear? --> Yes, or can it be that the surface appears completely healthy, yet the wart virus still remains latent and

Cauliflower-related issues?

1.
The recurrence rate of genital warts (condylomata acuminata) is indeed high.
If all visible lesions have been removed, the definition of recurrence refers to the reappearance of genital warts (lesions).
However, it is also possible for the human papillomavirus (HPV) to remain dormant in the body, meaning that even if the surface appears completely healthy, the virus can still be present and potentially transmissible to others.
2.
HPV can have a latency period, and it is possible for the virus to remain dormant in other areas even after a year, especially if lesions were present in four locations.
If you initially misidentified the condition and did not recognize it as genital warts, it is conceivable that the virus could still be present in a latent state.
After treating all visible lesions and receiving the HPV vaccine, it is unlikely that there would be any remaining virus that has been dormant for over a year, especially if there has been no sexual activity during that time.

wwe, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/28

Dr. Jian Weihong reply Urology

Hello: 1.
The recurrence rate of warts (condyloma) is very high.
If the lesions have been completely removed, does recurrence mean that warts (lesions) reappear? --> Yes, or can it be that the surface appears completely healthy, yet the wart virus still remains latent and can still be transmitted to others? --> It is possible, but the chances are lower compared to the emergence of new lesions.
2.
There are very few cases where recurrences occur after a year, but this is rare.
Generally, if more than six months have passed, one can feel more at ease.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2023/05/28

More Info

Understanding the recurrence and transmission of HPV-related warts, particularly genital warts (caused by HPV types 6 and 11), is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. Let's address your questions regarding recurrence, transmission, and the implications of HPV infection.

1. Definition of Recurrence: Recurrence of genital warts refers to the reappearance of warts after they have been treated and cleared. Even if the visible lesions are removed, HPV can remain dormant in the skin cells. This means that while the surface may appear healthy, the virus can still be present and potentially transmissible. The immune system plays a significant role in controlling the virus; however, it may not completely eliminate it. Therefore, even after successful treatment, there is a possibility of recurrence, which can manifest as new warts appearing at the same site or elsewhere.

2. Latency and Potential for New Lesions: HPV has a variable incubation period, and while it is often stated that the virus can remain dormant for several months to years, the exact duration can differ among individuals. If you have treated all visible lesions and have not engaged in sexual activity for over a year, it is less likely that new lesions will develop from previously dormant virus. However, it is important to note that HPV can still be present in the body without causing visible symptoms. Therefore, while the risk of new outbreaks may be reduced, it is not entirely eliminated.

3. Vaccination Post-Treatment: Getting vaccinated after treatment for genital warts is a proactive step. The HPV vaccine (such as Gardasil 9) protects against the most common high-risk and low-risk HPV types, including those that cause genital warts. If you have already been infected with certain HPV types, the vaccine will not treat existing infections but can help prevent future infections from other types. It is advisable to discuss vaccination with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized recommendations based on your medical history.

4. Transmission Risks: HPV is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Even in the absence of visible warts, the virus can still be present on the skin and can be transmitted to partners. This is why it is essential to communicate openly with sexual partners about HPV status and consider using barrier methods, such as condoms, to reduce the risk of transmission, although they do not provide complete protection.

5. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is crucial for monitoring any potential recurrence of warts and managing HPV-related health concerns. If you have concerns about symptoms or potential transmission, consulting with a urologist or a specialist in sexual health can provide you with tailored advice and treatment options.

In summary, while the treatment of genital warts can effectively remove visible lesions, the potential for recurrence exists due to the nature of HPV. Vaccination can provide additional protection against other HPV types, and maintaining open communication with partners and healthcare providers is essential for managing HPV-related health. Regular check-ups and monitoring can help ensure that any new developments are addressed promptly.

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