It's Not Fun, but the EGW Conversation Has to Happen

Wouldn't you want to know if the person you're having sex with has external genital and perianal warts (EGW)? Surely your partner feels the same way. Plus, if you're both aware, you can work together to practice safe sex and reduce the risk of spreading EGW.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Not actual patients.

Yes, You Can Have Sex if You Have EGW

But make sure you're safe.

When EGW appear, it means the HPV virus (which causes these warts) is active and may be more likely to be passed to your partner. HPV can still be spread even without EGW.

Not having sex is the only completely effective way of not spreading EGW.

No One Really Wants to Give Up Sex,
So Here's What You Can Do to Minimize the Risk of Spreading EGW:
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Limit the number of people you have sex with

two people icon

Let your partner know before you have sex so you can work together to prevent spreading the virus

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Always use condoms during oral, anal, and vaginal sex

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Try not to have sex if you have visible EGW in places condoms can't cover

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Encourage your partner to discuss the HPV vaccine with a doctor. The vaccine can protect him or her against the viruses that cause EGW

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Stop smoking. You have a greater chance of getting EGW and having them come back if you smoke

When It's Time to Talk EGW, Here's What to Do:

Remain calm and positive

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Not actual patients.

Ask your partner if he or she has been tested

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Not actual patients.

Know how to avoid passing HPV

Pick the right time

Remain calm and positive

Plenty of people have EGW, and for most couples, it's not a huge deal. If your partner has a negative reaction to hearing about it, try to stay calm and talk about all the ways there are to prevent spreading EGW. He or she might just need some time to process the news.

Ask your partner if he or she has been tested

Because HPV is very common, your partner might have EGW, too. So start by asking if he or she has been tested or has had an STD before. Chances are they may have had HPV and didn't even know it. When you and your partner are aware of your sexual health, you can both make better decisions.

Know how to avoid passing HPV

Read up on the facts and be prepared to have answers to questions your partner may ask. Let your partner know there are ways to avoid passing the viruses that cause EGW during sex. And you can also remind him or her that EGW aren't dangerous. These strains of HPV are not the ones that can cause cancer or any other serious health problems.

Pick the right time

Don't wait until you're about to have sex to tell your partner. When the relationship starts heading down that path and you feel that you can trust the person, that's probably a good time. Pick a time when you won't be distracted. Practice by telling yourself or a friend first to become comfortable with the conversation.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Not actual patients.

EGW=external genital and perianal warts

Important Safety Information

Do not use VEREGEN® (sinecatechins) Ointment, 15% if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not use VEREGEN® Ointment, 15% for warts in the vagina, cervix, or inside the anus. Avoid contact with your eyes, nostrils and mouth while ointment is on your finger(s).

Avoid use of VEREGEN® on open wounds. Do not expose skin that has been treated with VEREGEN® to the sunlight, sunlamps or tanning beds. Tell your doctor if you are using any other type of skin product on the area to be treated. Avoid sexual contact (genital, anal or oral) when VEREGEN® Ointment, 15% is on your genital or perianal skin. If you do choose to have sexual contact, you must wash off the ointment carefully before having protected sexual contact as the ointment may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms.

Be sure to tell the doctor if you have a weak immune system, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have used VEREGEN® before. Avoid using this product in patients younger than 18 years of age or for longer than 16 weeks. If your warts do not go away or come back after treatment contact your doctor.

The most common side effects with VEREGEN® Ointment, 15% are local skin and application site reactions including (incidence ≥20%): redness, itching, burning, pain, sores, swelling, hard spots, and rash with blisters.

For more information, consult your healthcare professional.

Please see full Prescribing Information for VEREGEN®.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Indication

VEREGEN® is indicated for the topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts (Condylomata acuminata) in immunocompetent patients 18 years and older.

Important Safety Information

Do not use VEREGEN® (sinecatechins) Ointment, 15% if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not use VEREGEN® Ointment, 15% for warts in the vagina, cervix, or inside the anus. Avoid contact with your eyes, nostrils and mouth while ointment is on your finger(s).

Avoid use of VEREGEN® on open wounds. Do not expose skin that has been treated with VEREGEN® to the sunlight, sunlamps or tanning beds. Tell your doctor if you are using any other type of skin product on the area to be treated. Avoid sexual contact (genital, anal or oral) when VEREGEN® Ointment, 15% is on your genital or perianal skin. If you do choose to have sexual contact, you must wash off the ointment carefully before having protected sexual contact as the ointment may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms.

Be sure to tell the doctor if you have a weak immune system, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have used VEREGEN® before. Avoid using this product in patients younger than 18 years of age or for longer than 16 weeks. If your warts do not go away or come back after treatment contact your doctor.

The most common side effects with VEREGEN® Ointment, 15% are local skin and application site reactions including (incidence ≥20%): redness, itching, burning, pain, sores, swelling, hard spots, and rash with blisters.

For more information, consult your healthcare professional.

Please see full Prescribing Information for VEREGEN®.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Indication

VEREGEN® is indicated for the topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts (Condylomata acuminata) in immunocompetent patients 18 years and older.

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In men

Man Before

Photo provided with permission from Silvio Tatti, MD, PhD, First Chair Gynecology, Hospital de Clinicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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In women

Woman Before

Photo provided with permission from Silvio Tatti, MD, PhD, First Chair Gynecology, Hospital de Clinicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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In men

Man Before

Proto provided with permission from Eggert Stockfleth, Director of the Skin Cancer Center, University Hospital Charite, Berlin, Germany.

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In men

Man Before

Photo provided with permission from Theodore Rosen, MD, Professor of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

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In women

Woman Before

Photo provided with permission from Silvio Tatti, MD, PhD, First Chair Gynecology, Hospital de Clinicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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In men

Man Before

Photo provided with permission from Silvio Tatti, MD, PhD, First Chair Gynecology, Hospital de Clinicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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In men

Man Before

Proto provided with permission from Eggert Stockfleth, Director of the Skin Cancer Center, University Hospital Charite, Berlin, Germany.

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In men

Man Before

Photo provided with permission from Theodore Rosen, MD, Professor of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

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