New information has shown that the virus can be found in some people prior to sexual activity. With a long incubation period and the potential presence of the virus without any sexual activity, it's hard to determine the source of the virus. Diagnosis and treatment are important because some wart viruses can cause cervical cancer. Available treatments for HPV do not completely eliminate the virus. Instead, treatment is aimed at removing uncomfortable growths, reducing the number of viral particles, and, perhaps, stimulating the immune response to help control the infection.
Treatment depends on the areas involved.
Most treatments are done in a health care provider's office, and are tailored to the needs of the patient. The more severe the dysplasia, the more likely it is to progress to cancer. Mild dysplasia may resolve on its own, without any treatment. Women with suspected condyloma need to be thoroughly evaluated, which includes viewing the cervix through a special microscope known as a colposcope. However, with your future wife, the two of you may be comfortable with a mutual decision not to use condoms.