Genital warts in 250 Iranian patients and their high- risk sexual behaviors

Genital wart is the most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Sexual risk factors and sexual behavior pattern may be different in various countries. In this study, we tried to evaluate demographic information and some sexual behaviors and risk factors in Iranian patients with genital warts.

In this cross-sectional study, 250 patients with anogenital warts were evaluated. They had been referred to the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic of Razi Hospital. Demographic information and sexual risk factors and pattern of sexual behaviors were recorded in the questionnaires.

One hundred twenty-five men and 125 women with genital warts were evaluated. The most common age group was 20- 30 years old; 24.8% were single; 29.6% had academic education; 35 (14%) of the patients had started sexual activity before 15 years of age; 92% reported unsafe sex;  seven (2.8%) of them were HIV infected; two cases (0.8%) were homosexual; and seven cases (2.8%) were bisexual. Genital herpes simplex type 2 was the most common coincident sexually transmitted disease (6.4%).

Genital wart in men may be as common as women, married and singles, and mostly involves younger people. Sexual high-risk behaviors and unsafe sex make them at risk for HIV infection. Sexual health education should be considered in high-risk groups.