Genital warts are very friendly and spread easily – in fact, it’s estimated that if you have sexual contact just once with someone who has them, there’s a 60 percent chance you’ll get them yourself. Because of this, they are the most common sexually-transmitted disease caused by a virus that we know of – but are also relatively easy to treat in most cases. However, preventions is always better than cure…
A Warty Issue
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and can appear on both men and women. More than 30 different types of the nasty buggers can cause warts on our genitals, although there are 100 types of HPV warts in all. Some types of HPV warts show up on our hands and feet – Plantar’s warts are the most common example – which most people would find preferable than on the penis or vagina!
In men, genital warts show up on or near the penis, anus and/or scrotum. In women, they appear on the vagina, vulva, cervix and anus. Usually they appear as little growths or tiny bumps that can be slightly raised, flat, reddish or flesh-colored – although occasionally they get quite noticeable and big. One problem is that they often don’t appear at all – they can be so small that only a doctor scan see them with a microscope, and can cause no symptoms whatsoever.
Warts are passed on by sexual contact, and if you contract them it may take up to several months, and in some cases years, for them to appear. That means you can easily spread them to other people, as you may have no idea you have them yourself. Sometimes they go away without treatment, sometimes they don’t. And they can lie dormant and reappear again – thus causing infection to others.
Why Worry?
You might wonder why we worry about these tiny warts, if they are often virtually invisible and cause no itching, burning, pain or discomfort (although in rare cases they do). The reason is because in women, HPV can cause cervical cancer. They cause problems with the cervix, or neck of the womb, so women who have had sex should have regular cervical smear tests to rule out HPV. In even more rare cases, HPV can also cause cancer of the penis, vulva, vagina and anus, as it causes abnormal cell changes which you may not notice for a long time.
Genital warts can also cause problems during pregnancy. They can get bigger and obstruct the birth canal, or bleed as the baby passes through it. Rarely, a baby can develop warts in the throat as they are being born. The vast majority of babies, however, are not affected, although some doctors prefer to either get rid of the warts if a woman is pregnant (see below) or deliver the baby through a C-section.
It is estimated that about half of all sexually active people are infected with the virus that causes genital warts, although not all of us actually develop the warts themselves. However, the US government has invented a female vaccine that can prevent against some strains of HPV – 6 and 11. That means it is effective only for females who have not come into contact with the virus, meaning girls who have not yet become sexually active. That’s why so many girls get the vaccine at age 11 – 12, to protect them in later life. There is currently no vaccine available for men, although it is being investigated at the present time.
Prevention Better Than Cure
Genital warts, also known as venereal warts, can be burned off, cauterized, frozen off or made to disappear with laser therapy or surgery, but as they can lie dormant in the body there is no guarantee that they will not reappear at a later date. The best way to avoid getting them is to have the vaccine early, and to not have unprotected sex (the vaccine does not protect against all strains of HPV, nor does it protect against other STDs. That’s what a condom is for, dum-dum).
Using a latex condom EVERY TIME you have vaginal or anal sex is important to protect yourself against a variety of annoying and/or potentially fatal sexually-transmitted diseases and infections, including HPV. But be aware that any type of close genital contact can spread warts, not just intercourse.
If you believe your or your partner may have genital warts, it’s important to have a medical professional see you and sort it out. While some of the removal processes are not altogether pleasant, it’s vital to get rid of those tiny little menaces. Women should also have regular Pap smear tests, and it’s recommended that pre-adolescent girls get the HPV vaccine, although it does not protect against all strains of HPV. People who are HIV-positive should also pay attention to warts which can pose a bigger health risk, as well as gay men, who are more at risk of developing penile and anal cancers.
Keep in mind that if you allow genital warts to go untreated, not only will you run the risk of infecting others, but you are also doing yourself more harm. They become more persistent and aggressive the longer they are allowed to grow, and can result in cauliflower-like clusters on the body, which can be painful and unpleasant. So get yourself treated – before they grow bigger! And always use a condom….
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care an appropriate health care provider.
More here: Private Places: All About Genital Warts
