QUESTION
Recently I tested positive for HPV (anal warts). I received treatment, but is it still possible to transmit the virus to other people?

ANSWER
Anal warts are caused by the human papilloma virus or HPV that is very easily transmitted. People can and do have wart virus infections of their skin and no visible warts where they can transmit the virus to other people. So after treatment, it is still possible.

The "good news" is that since wart viruses are so common, more than 60-70% of all adults have been exposed, but since not everyone actually gets visible warts, the CDC does not make specific recommendations to use condoms or tell partners about warts. Just too common and not very serious. Remember though, that condoms do work very well for preventing the spread of HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes from an infected person to his or her partner.

To your health,
Dr. K