Genital warts are part of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) family. Genital warts infections have become so widespread that genital wart infections are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) on the planet.
There are over 100 different stains of warts and genital warts represent a certain type of these warts. Of the 100 identified strains of HPV, more than 30 types of these strains can infect the genital tract, and therefore termed genital warts. Genital warts (HPV) are often transmitted from one person to another through sexual intercourse. genital warts are highly contagious.
Anyone can get infected with genital warts. The most common way of transmittal of a genital wart is through intercourse with someone who has genital warts, or touching the genitals of someone who already has a genital wart infection. In rare situations, a person is born with a genital wart infection, or a child becomes infected with hpv or genital warts while being bathed or changed. Sometimes people become infected with genital warts and the genital warts will not develop for many years.
Genital warts appear on or around the genitals and anus of both men and women. A genital wart often occurs in groups and can be very tiny or can accumulate into large masses on genital tissues. Left untreated, a genital wart may eventually develop a fleshy, cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts can be serious for females as they can occasionally cause cervical cancer if left untreated.
It is believed that there are more cases of genital warts than any other std in the United States. According to the American Social Health Association, there are over 5 million new cases genital warts infections reported every year. There are approximately 40 million people in the USA currently infected with genital warts.
Similar to other STDs, it is not uncommon for genital warts to be devoid of visible signs and symptoms. As a result, a person with genital warts often may not have visible signs or symptoms. One study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported that almost half of the women infected with genital warts had no obvious symptoms. People who are infected with genital warts, but who have no symptoms, may not know they can transmit genital warts to others or be aware that they may be at risk from developing complications from the genital wart virus.
Genital warts (also called venereal warts) are the most easily recognized sign of genital hpv infection. Many people, however, have a genital HPV infection without any visible sign or symptom of genital warts.
Some types of HPV cause common skin warts, such as those found on the hands and soles of the feet. These types of HPV do not cause genital warts.
Genital warts are very contagious and are spread during oral, genital, or anal sex with a person who is infected with genital warts. About two-thirds of people who have unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who has genital warts will develop genital warts, usually within three months of contact.
In women, genital warts occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the opening (cervix) to the womb (uterus), or around the anus. In men, genital warts are less common. If present, genital warts usually occur on the tip of the penis. Genital warts may also be found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. Rarely, genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with a person infected with genital warts.
Genital warts often occur in clusters and can be very tiny or can spread into large masses in the genital or anal area.
A doctor or other health care worker usually can diagnose genital warts by an examination of a patient. Women with genital warts also should be examined for possible HPV infection of the cervix.
The doctor may be able to identify some otherwise invisible genital warts in the genital tissue by applying vinegar (acetic acid) to areas of suspected infection. This solution causes infected areas to whiten, which makes them more visible, particularly if a procedure called colposcopy is performed.
Females should also have their doctor conduct a Pap smear test to indicate the possible presence of cervical HPV infection or genital warts. In a Pap smear, a laboratory worker examines cells scraped from the cervix under a microscope to see if they are cancerous.
Most HPV infections do not progress to cervical cancer. If a woman does have abnormal cervical cells, a Pap test will detect them. It is particularly important for women who have abnormal cervical cells to have regular pelvic exams and Pap tests so that they can be treated early, if necessary.
The only way to prevent an HPV or genital wart infection is to avoid direct contact with the virus, which is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. If you or your sexual partner has genital warts which are visible, you should avoid any sexual contact until the genital warts are treated. Studies have not confirmed that male latex condoms prevent transmission of HPV or genital warts, but results do suggest that condom use may reduce the risk of developing diseases linked to HPV, such as genital warts and cervical cancer.
Genital warts may cause a number of problems during pregnancy. Sometimes genital warts get larger during pregnancy, making it difficult to urinate. If the genital warts occur in the vagina, they can make the vagina less elastic and the genital warts can cause obstruction during delivery.
Rarely, infants born to women with genital warts develop warts in their throats (laryngeal papillomatosis). Although uncommon, it is a potentially life-threatening condition for the child, requiring frequent laser surgery to prevent obstruction of the breathing passages. Research on the use of interferon therapy in combination with laser surgery indicates that this drug may show promise in slowing the course of the disease.
Scientists are doing research on two types of HPV vaccines. One type would be used to prevent infection or disease (warts, genital warts, or pre-cancerous tissue changes). The other type would be used to treat cervical cancers. Researchers are testing both types of vaccines in people.