Are genital warts in children always indicative of sexual abuse?

• A: No. The HPV virus has an incubation period of many months. Thus, warts transmitted to infants at the time of birth may not become clinically apparent for 1–2 years. Whether the incubation period can be longer than this remains unknown. Thus, maternal history and, potentially, examination are both important factors. However, all children with anogenital warts should be carefully evaluated by experienced clinicians for child abuse. It is possible that caregivers may transmit the virus to children through close but nonsexual contact; thus, this history is also important in older children. • Q: Will young women still need to get PAP smears if they have received the HPV vaccine. • A: Yes.The vaccine does offer good protection against the strains most commonly associated with genital warts and cervical cancer, 6, 11, 16 and 18. However, these strains are not the only ones that can cause infection or lead to cervical cancer. It is important to continue regular screening to ensure that ...  more