Warts%20-%20anogenital Patient Education
Patient Education
- Patients should be given a detailed explanation of their condition
- Untreated lesions may increase in number or size, remain unchanged or resolve spontaneously
- Clearance can take up to 1-6 months, recurrence may occur, and complete eradication occurs later
- Emphasize the long-term implications to their health and their partners
- Patients should be advised on the use of condoms
- Condoms have shown protection against genital warts by preventing the acquisition of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and continued re-exposure to the virus
- Patients should be informed that coital rest throughout therapy is recommended
- It will help decrease adverse reactions (eg pain, discomfort)
- Emphasize the importance of screening patients for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Many patients who present with anogenital warts may have other STIs and an appropriate screening for STIs should be recommended
- Screening for warts and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may be beneficial to the patient and the sexual partner
- If required, treat sexual contacts
- When psychological distress is apparent, counseling may be appropriate
- Pregnant women with anogenital warts should be counseled that cesarean delivery is not performed solely to prevent newborn HPV infection