| Definition
Genital
warts, which are can also be called venereal warts or condylomata
acuminate, are growths in the genital area in men and woman
caused by a sexually transmitted virus called the Human Papilloma
Virus (HPV).
Description
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.
What do genital warts look like?
Genital
warts have an irregular shape and can vary in shape and size
from small red/white spots to large cauliflower-shaped lumps.
In men genital warts can appear anywhere on the penis, on the
scrotum or in the groin. Homosexual men may also get infected
in the anus and rectum. In women genital warts usually occur
around the opening of the vagina (vulva), but can occur in the
folds of skin alongside the vaginal opening, to the womb, or
around the anus. Both men and women can get the warts in their
mouth and down the throat after engaging in oral sex (see
genital warts pictures).
Causes and symptoms overview
Genital
Warts (HPV) 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. In rare cases adults
and children can be infected indirectly, for instance through
the use of an infected towel. Babies can also be infected during
delivery (see
genital warts during pregnancy).
There
are about 80 types of human papilloma virus. Genital warts are
caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 30, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52
and 54. Types 6 and 11 are responsible for 90% of genital warts
cases. HPV also causes many cases of cervical cancer and probably
most of anal cancer cases; types 16 and 18 account for 70% of
cases.
A sudden and strong eruption of genital warts could suggest
a defect in their bodies immune system perhaps caused by another
serious illness (see
genital warts symptoms).
Diagnosis
A
doctor or nurse can usually tell whether you have genital warts
just by looking closely at the affected area. If warts are suspected
but are not obvious, the doctor may apply a weak 5% vinegar-like
solution to the effected area; this turns any warts white and
therefore makes them more visible, your doctor may order a biopsy
if the bump is unusual looking or discolored to rule out cancer.
Treatment
Sadly
there is no cure for HPV, and once you are infected you will
have it for the rest of your life. However your body can ‘fight
it off’ and the virus itself can become dormant for decades
and then reappear, but once the warts have formed they don't
typically regress and require treatment. Although some genital
warts can disappear after 2-3 years.
There are home prescription treatments available that require
a prescription by a doctor, these treatments are extremley expensive
so be prepared to pay at least $200 for one course of treatment.
This is why people are turning to 'The Genital Wart Clinic'
as an alternative for cheaper treatments.
Other
treatments can be carried out by a doctor including; Cryotherapy
works by freezing off the wart and kills the warts 70% of the
time, but recurrence is 40% to 73% 6 months after treatment.
And laser therapy can be used also, which is often used as a
last resort and is extremely expensive (see
genital warts symptoms).
How often can episodes occur?
If
you have contracted HPV virus there is a strong possibility
you many not ever get any genital warts. If you are unfortunate
to get an outbreak of genital warts some people only have one
episode, while others have many recurrences throughout their
lifetime.
Can I still have sex with genital warts?
If
someone has visible symptoms of genital warts, they should not
have sexual activity until the warts have been treated and removed.
Condoms
don't cover all genital skin, so they don't protect 100%. But
may help provide protection to stop the virus been spread to
partners. If you have a partner you are sexually active with,
there is a strong possibility they have already contracted the
HPV virus from you. However only 50% of people who have HPV
develop genital warts.
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