Genital
warts are a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the
human papillomavirus (HPV).
Genital
warts are the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD)
in North America and Europe. Most patients with genital warts
are between the ages of 17-33 years and is the most common reason
for someone attending a sexual health clinic. Although they
look similar, HPV is not the virus that causes warts on your
fingers and hands. Genital warts are a lot more contagious and
should be treated as soon as possible. In the USA, an estimated
2.3 million sexually active Americans have genital warts, which
is increasing by 7% each year, but there are estimates that
show there are as many as 5 million new cases actually transmitted
each year!
Not everyone
infected with HPV will develop genital warts. Some will be infected
with a strain that does not produce warts, or they will remain
asymptomatic (i.e. no warts will appear) even though the virus
is present in their skin. 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.
They
are usually contracted by having sex with an infected partner.
Even just close genital contact is enough to spread the condition.
Genital warts are normally painless but may be itchy, although
they may become painful during sexual intercourse depending
on the location of the warts.
Genital
warts have an irregular shape and can vary in shape and size
from small red/white spots to large cauliflower-shaped lumps
(see
genital warts pictures),
which can spread without treatment. Genital warts are normally
painless but may be itchy, although they may become painful
during sexual intercourse depending on the location of the warts.
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