Table 2.

Frequently asked questions and answers to guide discussion with patients

Questions	Answers
How did I get AGW?	AGW are caused by HPV.1 Usually, HPV is contracted via sexual interactions: indirect acquisition is rare5
What is the risk of HPV transmission?	The risk of HPV transmission is very high (1.6 sexual interactions are enough to get the infection). The infection is very common and the vast majority of people have the virus during their lifetime
Is there a treatment?	Discuss the modalities and the limitations of treatment, explaining this will not eradicate the virus
Does smoking increase my risk of developing AGW?	Explain that smokers are at an increased risk of developing AGW and therefore, smoking cessation should be encouraged15
How long will I have AGW for?	AGW can recur several times but with appropriate treatment, most warts should clear within 3 months5
Is this the end of my sex life?	Reassure the patient that this is not the case
Should I disclose to my current and previous partner?	It is important to disclose you have AGW to your current partner in order to allow him/her to be checked
Should I always use a condom?	Explain that data have shown that increased levels of condom use is associated with increased clearance of HPV.88 It is therefore advisable to use condoms routinely
What are the risks during pregnancy?	AGW can become large during pregnancy5 but will usually disappear within weeks of delivery. In rare cases, HPV can be transmitted during child birth resulting in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in the infant73, 78
Will I develop cancer?	AGW are not related to cancer. AGW are caused by certain types of HPV, other types of HPV can cause cancer5
Can AGW spread to other parts of the body?	It is very uncommon for AGW to spread to other body locations

AGW, anogenital warts; HPV, human papillomavirus.