Many people have the virus and are contagious even if there are no visible lesions on the genitals. It has been confirmed that some forms of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix in women. The diagnosis is made in women by identifying abnormal cells on the PAP smear. Although not as common and not as conclusive, HPV is weakly associated with penile and bladder cancer in men. All sexual partners must be evaluated and treated, as sexual partners may carry the virus and if untreated they may reinfect the treated partner.
Condoms are effective to prevenet reinfection and transmision of the virus.
Small lesions can be treated by topical application of podophyllum, an extract of the May apple, which interferes with the virus. The medication must be removed with soap and water 4 hours after the application. Podophyllum usually requires weekly application. Interferon is a reasonably new antiviral drug that can be injected directly into the lesion. Cryotherapy consists of the application of liquid nitrogen to the lesions.