Keys to Successful Education for Patients with Genital Warts with Emphasis on the Presenting Male Patient

Abstract

Genital warts (condyloma acuminatum) are the clinical manifestations of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6 and 11. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and genital warts are sexually acquired low-risk strains of HPV. Although genital warts are not a life-threatening condition, they can be a cause of morbidity and psychosocial distress for patients and their sexual partners. Since genital warts are common in clinical practice with men predominantly presenting to the dermatology clinic, providers are given an important window for treatment, compassionate education with the possibility of vaccination discussion. This article will provide comprehensive guidance and a patient question/answer template to better assist these visits in order to facilitate broader conversations around HPV and destigmatize genital warts.