Health Tips

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is the most common sexually transmitted disease. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), an estimated 20 million people in the United States are infected with HPV and an average of six million people are diagnosed with genital warts each year.

Genital warts cannot be cured although outbreaks can be treated with creams, laser surgery and cryosurgery. However, these treatments will only help the symptoms and it will still be possible to pass the virus to a partner.

The only true method of protecting yourself from contracting genital warts is abstinence as the warts commonly appear in locations of the groin area that would not be reached with a condom. Regardless, condoms should continue to be used to reduce the risk of contracting genital warts and other STD’s.

Those who have a high risk factor for contracting genital warts have had multiple sexual partners and may not be aware of each person’s sexual history or health. The virus that causes genital warts is not spread through bodily secretions, but by skin-on-skin contact. Those who already have stresses on their immune systems such as HIV or AIDS are more likely to contract the virus.

It is most important to remember is that those who contract genital warts may often not experience any symptoms at all or may not be able to see the growths should they harbor in an area not readily visible such as the interior vaginal walls. There are strains that may not even produce warts. You also may not recognize the growths as anything to be concerned over as they may not appear in the traditionally described manner.

Symptoms of genital warts that may occur are generally mild and may be dismissed as other ailments. Women may experience bleeding after sexual intercourse and/or an increase in vaginal discharge. Should the bleeding seem abnormal or the discharge be darker in color, you may be at risk for genital warts and should visit your doctor. Men may experience itching on the penis and scrotum. Both women and men may experience an increase in moisture along the groin in the affected areas.

Warts that do appear are raised and flesh-colored growths and often have an appearance to cauliflower. They can also look like white patches. The warts appear along the genitals and anus and even deep inside the reproductive organs of a woman, showing on the cervix. The warts can also spread through oral sex and may appear in the mouth and throat of the infected person. Men do not experience outbreaks of warts to the same extent that women may.

Should you learn that a partner has recently been diagnosed with genital warts, the first step is to call your doctor and make an immediate appointment. A trained physician may be able to diagnose genital warts by examining the growths. A female can be tested for HPV and not have to wait for any possible symptoms to occur.