Genital
warts are usually contracted by having sex with a person who has
human papilloma virus (HPV). Even just close genital contact is
enough to spread the condition. In rare cases both adults and
children are infected indirectly, for instance through the use
of an infected towel. Babies can also be infected during delivery.
If you have sexual
intercourse with someone with the HPV there is a 2 in 3 chance
you have contracted the virus. If you have unfortunately contracted
the virus then there is a 50% change you will develop genital
warts. There are about 80 types of HPV and depending on which
strain you catch will determine if you develop genital warts.
Once a person contracts
the HPV virus a quiet period of months to years can occur.
Sometimes several years pass without any symptoms. However even
without showing any symptoms it still leaves a healthy partner
vulnerable to becoming infected during sexual activity.
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