Both women and men may become infected with HPV during sexual intercourse and then infect their next partners. This is the rule in most cases because lesions are usually subclinical and not visible, and people infected with HPV are not aware of it.
Old infections become latent and may later become active again. If however the immune system is compromised for any reason at some point, the virus becomes active and lesions reappear, and therefore there is a risk of infecting one’s partner.
If genital warts are found in a woman it is recommended that her partner must be examined by a physician. Testing is also recommended for men who observe any changes on their penis.
