Genital warts, or venereal warts, are caused by certain “low risk” strains of the Human Papilloma Virus, usually types 6 and 11. Warts can be spread from one person to the other
during vaginal and anal intercourse, as well as, hand-to-genital contact, and oral sex.
Condoms do NOT fully protect you from transmission since HPV is spread from
skin-to-skin contact. Not everyone that is exposed to the virus will contract genital
warts, many people have strong immune systems that are able to fight of HPV.
Genital warts can come in all sizes, some are flat and some are raised.
They can be single or multiple, some make a cauliflower shape by clustering together.
Warts can be found in the vagina and anus, or on the cervix, vulva, and anus of
women. Men can have warts in their anus or on their scrotum, penis, thighs, and groin.
They are usually painless and flesh colored, although some can be grayish in color.
There is no cure for HPV at this time. However, they are working on a vaccine that will
be beneficial to future generations. At this time, they are only able to treat the things
that HPV causes, such as warts.
There are several different types of treatments for genital warts.
Keep in mind, it can take more than one treatment to remove them and the warts
can return due to the underlying virus.
It is important to note that a person can have the virus and not even be aware
that they have it, so you can not tell by looking, just because your partner does not
have visible warts does not mean he does not have the virus. Symptoms of HPV,
such as warts, could take months to years to appear. Sometimes warts may be so
small that they go unseen. The virus can invade the cervix and vagina and be
“invisible”. In some cases it can cause cancer so it is very important for women to
get an annual pap smear and check their vulvas on a regular schedule for any
changes. Also, in rare instances babies that are born vaginally to a woman with
genital warts may develop warts in their throats, which is a potentially dangerous
situation. If you have genital warts and are pregnant your physician will know whether or not it is safe for you to deliver vaginally.
