Genital Warts

Genital warts are quite common among teenagers and young adults. medically they are known as condyloma acuminata or venereal warts. Warts are a type of sexually transmitted disorder. Warts are sexually transited by the human papilloma virus (HPV). This same virus has been implicated as a cause of cervical cancer. It has also been linked as a cause of penile cancer.

The virus that causes genital warts is very contagious. the majority of individual who have genital warts have acquire it from someone else. When the virus is acquired, warts may not appear right away, sometimes it takes 1-6 months for the wart to appear. in females genital warts usually cluster around the vagina but can occur inside the vagina. In men, they can occur on the penis and anus. These genital strains of HPV do not cause warts on other parts of the body.

Genital warts usually occur on the warm and moist areas of the genitalia. They appear as flesh colored growth and frequently like tiny cauliflower. Genital warts may be single but in most cases there are multiple. The size is also variable. In some cases they maybe very tiny and in some cases they may be large. Genital warts are also common around the anus in those who perform anal sexual intercourse. Because these warts are not visualized they are usually large by the time they come to medical attention. There are numerous reports that genital warts also occur in the mouth/ throats of those individual who perform oral sex.



Facts about Genital warts:


- can cause emotional distress

- no symptoms in the majority

- may itch

- can cause bleeding during sex

- cause discomfort during sex

- can be transmitted to your partner

- is a sexually transmitted disease

- may be acquired from unprotected sexual intercourse

Cervical cancer has been linked with HPV infection. Certain types of HPV also are associated with cancer of the vulva, cancer of the anus and cancer of the penis. There is now a vaccine available to prevent the rising incidence of cervical cancer.

During pregnancy, warts can increase in size. If the warts are located on the inside of the vagina, urination may be difficult and painful.

For women who have genital warts, a pap test is recommended.



Prevention


Because the HPV can be transmitted sexually, using a condom significantly reduces your chances of acquiring this unpleasant skin disorder.

If you or your partner have visible warts, it is best to abstain from sexual intercourse.

If you have warts, you should inform your partner so that he or she can be properly treated. Some States do not take it too kindly if you are involved in transmitting sexually transmitted diseases.

There is a Vaccine available which may prevent against genital warts. The vaccine is most effective if given to girls before they become sexually active.

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