My partner had genital warts in the past, but hasn’t had any show up recently. Can I still be infected? How can I protect myself? And if I have been infected, what health risks are associated with genital warts?

Genital warts is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is estimated that between 50-60% of sexually active people will acquire an HPV infection at some point in their lives. The types of HPV that infect the genital area are, not surprisingly, spread through genital contact, by which we mean the penis, vagina or anus. Most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms so it is difficult for a person to even know they have and can transmit an infection. So, yes, your partner could inadvertently infect you. However, after contact with an infected person warts can appear on you within weeks or months, or they may never appear. The good news is that most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms and their immune system will clear the infection on its own. Some HPVs are associated with cervical cancer, which is why it is important for sexually active women to get a PAP test every year. Even if you have an abnormal PAP do not be alarmed. It just means you may have some abnormal cells that may develop into cancer. If caught early and treated you will be just fine.