A 24-year-old female diagnosed with condylomata acuminata (genital warts) asks what information is appropriate to share. Which statement is correct?

• A. This condition puts her at higher risk for cervical cancer; therefore, she should have a Pap smear annually.
• B. Metronidazole is the most common treatment and should eradicate the problem within 7 to 10 days.
• C. Condoms used consistently will completely eliminate transmission to a partner.
• D. HPV cannot be transmitted during oral sex.

Answer: (A)

Knowing that genital warts come from HPV helps explain why regular cervical cancer screening remains important. HPV infections, especially the high-risk types, can lead to cervical dysplasia and cancer even if warts are present. Because of that, informing her that she should have cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear on an ongoing basis is appropriate and protective.

Metronidazole isn’t used for HPV-related warts; it targets certain bacteria and parasites, not viral infections of the skin or mucosa. Treatments for condylomata acuminata focus on topical therapies or procedures that directly remove or clear warts, not antibiotics.

Condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission but do not completely eliminate it, since areas of skin not covered by a condom can still be exposed to the virus. So the statement that transmission is completely prevented isn’t accurate.

HPV can be transmitted through oral sex as well as genital contact, so the idea that it cannot be transmitted during oral sex is false.