Treatment can sometimes require several visits and recurrences can occur after any form of treatment. The doctor or nurse will discuss which treatment is most suitable. Some types of the genital wart virus have been associated with abnormal cell changes on the cervix, vulva, penis or anus. However, only a few of these viruses are strongly associated with cancer. This association seems to act together with other factors, one of which may be smoking.
Visible warts are less likely to lead to cell changes that precede cancer.
The types of wart virus that are linked to abnormal cell changes usually cause subclinical infections. Visible warts can be transmitted sexually. The subclinical infection may also be transmitted sexually although less is known about this. Condoms however, will help prevent the spread of many other sexually transmitted infections. If you are unsure about how to discuss this with your sexual partner you are invited to speak to a counsellor, nurse or doctor.