Can you spread genital warts without a breakout

Genital warts (also known as condyloma acuminata or venereal warts) are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts typically manifest as small, fleshy growths that are commonly described as resembling cauliflower. They can be pinkish, reddish, or grayish in color and can either be raised or more flattened in appearance. They can also grow in clusters and cover large sections of a person's genital or anal areas.

Like many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), genital HPV infections often do not have signs and symptoms that can be seen or felt.

How do genital warts spread?
Genital warts can only be spread through such skin-to-skin contact as occurs during oral, vaginal, manual, or anal sex. Additionally, if a pregnant woman has genital warts, she can pass the virus that causes these warts on to her baby if she delivers vaginally. Also, keep in mind that if your partner is infected but has no symptoms or is not experiencing a breakout, he or she can still spread the virus. Furthermore, even if you have the virus and never have a breakout of genital warts, it can still lead to cervical cancer and even infertility.

Because warts cannot be seen sometimes, it is especially important to be careful whom you choose to have sexual contact. The infection can have a long incubation period, meaning months can pass between the time a person is infected with the virus and the time a person notices warts in the genital area. Sometimes, the warts can take years to develop.

Abstain from having oral, vaginal and anal sex. This is the only way you can be absolutely sure you are not spreading genital warts.
Use a condom if you choose to have sex. Although a condom will not necessarily cover the entire area affected by genital warts, it can help to prevent the spread of the disease.

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