HPV and Genital Warts

Also known as Condyloma Acuminata, genital warts only affect people who have been sexually active. Whilst not everyone will get genital warts, the risk is very high and people between the ages of 18 and 35 are most often given this diagnosis.

Transmission:

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and is spread by a virus known as Human Papillomavirus or HPV. Small papillomas may appear, these are seen to be a rough surfaced, wart like bump. They are benign small growths which are noncancerous and can be removed in a Physician's office with a minimum of effort, or by the application of certain prescription creams. There are also other removal methods which are simple standard procedures.

Genital warts can be spread by all kinds of sexual contact and can appear around the vagina, the anus and on the penis. It can be quite some time after contracting the virus that the warts appear, and having HPV does not always mean you will always get visible warts. A person may have HPV for a long time and not be aware of it. Warts can disappear of their own accord since our immune systems are able to fight disease to protect us, although this does not always happen. While the warts themselves are harmless, they do increase one's risk of developing cancerous cells. Regular pap smears should be done anyway, but once HPV is detected and diagnosed it is vital to maintain more regular screening. A pregnant woman can also transmit HPV to her unborn baby.

Vaccination:

There are around 100 different kinds of wart producing HPV strains. Two of these are known to cause cancer, while 30 of them are the kind which produce warts in the genital area. There are now vaccines developed which can be used as protection the two types of HPV which cause cancer. About 75% of cervical cancer is caused by these two strains. One of these vaccinations will also protect against the strain which causes genital warts. This medicine should be administered to young ladies before sexual activity commences, and a booster shot is needed. Ask your Doctor how long until this should take place and schedule an appointment regardless of whether it is one year from now or five years.

Vaccinations for men are still in the experimental stages.

Condoms will not protect one from contracting HPV, and any sexual partners one has should be informed of your condition prior to sexual contact. In addition to this, it is wise to learn more about your partner's sexual history in order to protect yourself. The only way to avoid HPV or Genital Warts altogether is to abstain from sexual intimacy.