Introduction: Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the etiological agents of genital warts and of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and they are sexually transmitted. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in asymptomatic heterosexual males who consult their physicians seeking advice after their partners have been diagnosed with CIN.
Methods: 181 asymptomatic males whose partners were women diagnosed with CIN were studied at the STI unit in Gijón over a five-year period (1999-2003). The same diagnostic protocol was used in all cases: clinical exam, genitoscopy and the taking of samples for bacterial, fungus and Trichomonas cultures, as well as samples for the genomic detection of Chlamydia, and syphilis, HIV and viral hepatitis serology.
Results: 101 infections were diagnosed in 85 patients (47 %). By order of greatest prevalence, these were: urethritis from Ureaplasma urealyticum (35/181; 19.3 %), genital warts (31/181; 17.1 %), Haemophilus spp. (12 de 181; 6.6 %) and mycotic balanoposthitis (10/181; 5.5 %).
Conclusions: The prevalence of STI in the partners of women with CIN is high, and in these cases it is necessary to establish STI detection and control programs in both members of the couple.