Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Genital Warts
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Genital Warts Information
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 80 types of viruses. Certain types cause warts on the genital area (sex organs) and other types cause warts on hands and feet. Of the types that affect the genital area, some are linked with cervical cancer; these are usually called "high-risk" types. The types of Human Papilloma Virus that cause raised external genital warts are not usually linked with cancer. These are called "low-risk" types.
About HPV and Genital Warts
Genital warts (condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are caused by only a few of the many types of HPV. Other common types of HPVs, such as those that cause warts on the hands and soles of the feet, do not cause genital warts. Genital warts are spread by sexual contact with an infected partner and are very contagious. Approximately two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with a partner with genital warts will develop warts, usually within three months of contact. Scientists estimate that as many as 1 million new cases of genital warts are diagnosed in the United States each year.
In women, the warts occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the cervix (the opening to the uterus), or around the anus. In men, genital warts are less common. If present, they are seen on the tip of the penis; however, they also may be found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. Rarely, genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sexual contact with an infected person. People who suspect that they have genital warts should be examined and treated by a health care provider.
How Common is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in this country. Genital HPV infections are widespread among adults who have been sexually active and are estimated to have the highest incidence of any sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the U.S.
About HPV, Genital Warts and Cervical Cancer
The types of HPV linked to cervical cancer usually are not the types that cause genital warts. But a woman with genital warts, like any other sexually active woman, should get yearly Pap smears. The Pap smear detects abnormal cells caused by HPV that can lead to cancer. With regular Pap smears and follow-up care, cervical cancer can almost always be prevented or cured.
About HPV, Genital Warts and Pregnancy
Genital warts sometimes cause problems during pregnancy and delivery. Because of hormone changes in the body during pregnancy, warts can grow in size and number, bleed, or make delivery more difficult. Very rarely, babies exposed to HPV during birth may develop warts in the throat. Despite these risks, a woman with genital warts does not need to have a cesarean-section delivery unless warts are blocking the birth canal.
It is important that a pregnant woman notify her doctor or clinic if she or her partner(s) has had HPV or genital warts.
How Do You Get HPV or Genital Warts?
HPV and genital warts are usually spread by direct, skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has this infection. Warts on other parts of the body, such as the hands, are caused by different types of HPV. Contact with these warts does not seem to cause genital warts.
What Do Genital Warts Look Like?
Genital warts often occur in clusters and can be very tiny or can spread into large masses on genital tissues. Genital warts often appear as small bumps or growths, but can appear as groups of warts and grow quite large. Left untreated, genital warts may cause discomfort and pain, interfere with sexual activity and eventually develop a fleshy, cauliflower-like appearance.
How Genital Warts are Diagnosed
Warts sometimes can be very difficult to see and it's also hard to tell the difference between a wart and other bumps or pimples. If you think you have warts or have been exposed to HPV, go to a health care provider or clinic. The health care provider will check more closely and may use a magnifying lens to find small warts.
Do Genital Warts Need to Be Treated?
Most people need some help in getting rid of the warts. Untreated warts may stay the same, grow larger, or multiply. The longer you have them, the harder they are to treat. So, it's important to have genital warts treated as soon as possible.
Treatments
Though genital warts can be treated, none of the available treatments is a cure for HPV. The virus can remain in nearby skin after treatment. Because the virus can lie dormant in the cells, in some cases warts can return months or even years after treatment. In other cases, warts never recur.
How Can I Avoid Getting STDs Including Genital Warts
Certain ways to lower your risk of getting any sexually transmitted disease also may be effective with HPV or genital warts:
You can reduce your risk of getting HPV or genital warts by not having sex with anyone or by having sex only with one uninfected partner who has sex only with you. People who have many sexual partners are at higher risk of getting sexually transmitted infections.
Latex condoms, used properly from start to finish each time you have sex, provide some protection if they cover the area of the HPV infection. Condoms are recommended with all new or casual sexual partners.
Spermicidal foams, creams, and jellies are not proven to act against HPV and genital warts. They are best used along with condoms, not in place of condoms.
If You Are Diagnosed With An STD
Those STDs caused by bacteria (such as chlamydia or gonorrhea) can be cured with antibiotics. Those STDs caused by a virus (such as herpes or HPV) cannot be cured, but they can be treated to relieve symptoms.
Follow your provider's treatment directions.
Ask your provider about ways to avoid spreading the STD to a partner.
Tell your partner you have a STD. Ask your partner to get tested too.
Avoid sex until both you and your partner have been treated.
Return for follow-up care if your provider asks you to.
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