Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).  The human papillomavirus also causes warts elswhere on the body, and there are more than 70 different types of HPV, though only 10 types can cause genital warts. Genital warts, also known as Condyloma, are VERY contagious, and are spread through skin to skin contact.

Fact

• HPV is the most common STD, nearly 1 in 4 people have a form of HPV, and 1 in 2 people will be exposed to some type of HPV in their lifetime.

• Genital warts can grow in clusters, can be large or small, raised or flat, and flesh colored, white, or reddish-brown...sometimes, they are not detectable with the naked eye.

Genital warts are very contagious, in fact, genital warts or one of the most contagious STD's, and you are nearly guarenteed to get it if you have any form of sexual contact (petting, oral sex, anal sex, or intercourse) with a person who has it. You do NOT have to have sexual intercourse to get genital warts.

Condoms do NOT protect against genital warts, since most warts, especially in women, grow on the surrounding genital skin, not the parts that a condom would cover.

Genital warts are generally harmless, however, some can turn into genital cancer, and most are irritating, causing spliting of the skin, itching, and sometimes burning, or trouble urinating.

The disease that causes genital warts (HPV) can stay dormant (quiet, inactive) in your body for years, and show up suddenly, even if you have not been sexually active for a number of years, or have been in a monogamous relationship for many years.

There is currently no approved test for HPV in men, and only women over 35 and those who have had an abnormal PAP smear can be tested for HPV, so there is no way to know, other than visible warts, whether your parnter has HPV.

Genital warts can be transmitted to the throat and mouth, through oral sex.

Genital warts have many treatments, some of which are painless, but most of which are at least mildly uncomfortable, to moderately painful, and there is no cure, so they may come back, even after several treatments.

Genital warts can cause complications for both the mother and the child during childbirth.

How Do You Get Genital Warts?

Genital warts are transmitted through skin to skin contact. Any form of skin-to-skin contact in the genital region can transmit genital warts, you do not have to have intercourse to pass get genital warts. In most cases, genital warts can be passed, if with condom use.

Activities that could transmit genital warts from one person to another would include:

Intercourse (vaginal and anal)

Oral sex

Petting

Any contact with the gentials of an infected person.

How Do I Know If I Have Genital Warts?

Sadly, you cannot always be sure that you have genital warts, since the warts can sometimes be practically invisible, and the disease that causes genital warts (HPV) can lay dormant in the body for years.

The only way to be sure that you have genital warts is to identify what you think ma be a wart, and to see your doctor or gynecologist.

Warts may appear as large, or small bumps on the genital skin. they may be single bumps or they may grow in clusters and look similar to a small cauliflower, they may be flat, or raised and can range in color from white, to flesh colored or reddish-brown/gray. Usually they feel a bit rough to the touch, but they can also be smooth.

If you notice any unusual bumps in your genital region, visit your doctor.

Some other signs that you may have genital warts that are not visible, may include:

Unexplained cracking, splitting of the genital skin

Unexplained genital itching, with no visible rash, that does not respond to yeast or bacterial medications

Genital skin sensitivity

A "Papercut" feeling on the genital skin

An abnormal PAP smear

So What Should I Do If I Have, or Think I might Have Genital Warts?

First things first, you should go to your doctor, or gynecologist and tell them about your symptoms. Because there is no public test for genital warts, the Dr. will not be able to truly diagnose you unless you:

Have visible warts

Have had an abnormal PAP and have to have a private HPV test run

If you have some of the signs and symptoms of invisible warts/flat warts, the Dr. may swab your genital area with a safe vinegar solution, which will turn the warts white. This is NOT a definitive test, however, because in some cases, it  may turn healthy skin white also.

If your Dr. decides that you do have genital warts, they will provide you with a removal treatment.

What Kinds of Treatments are There?

Lasar Removal

Surgery

Cryo-surgery (Freezing)

Burning

Trichloracetic Acid

Take Home/Self-Application Creams

For More Information on Genital Warts Please Visit:

The Center for Disease Control

HPV