| Genital
warts are caused by the human papilloma virus
(HPV). Genital warts have an irregular shape
and can vary in shape and size from small red/white
spots to large cauliflower-shaped lumps.
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.
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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, its estimated up to 17 million sexually
active Americans have HPV, 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!
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.
Both men and women are equally at risk of developing
genital 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.
Anyone
affected with genital warts or thinks they may
have contracted the HPV virus should contact
their doctor immediately. We would advise you
tell your partner of your concerns too, so they
can arrange an appointment for treatment
(see what are genital warts?). |