A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
   
Genital Warts



Approximately 40 million Americans are infected with genital warts. Genital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, are one of the most common and infectious sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These warts are typically found on the moist tissues of the genital area and they are frightful in appearance. They can affect anyone at any age. In the case of men, the genital warts appear on the tip or shaft of the penis, the scrotum, or the anus. In the case of women the warts are found in the inner layer of the vagina which makes them difficult to detect. Genital warts can develop on the vulva, the walls of the vagina, the area between the external genitals and the anus, and the cervix.

Causes and Risk Factors

Genital warts are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that infects the top layers of the skin. This virus has also been associated with cervical cancer and other types of genital cancers, such as penile cancer. Only a few strains of HPV can cause genital warts. These strains are highly infectious and are spread by having sexual contact, vaginal or anal, with an infected individual. Most of the people who have sexual contact with an infected person develop this condition within three months of contact. In some cases the development may not occur for a few years. Unprotected sexual intercourse with several partners can increase the risk of developing this disease.

The risk of an individual developing or contracting genital warts is greater if he or she is already suffering from another sexually transmitted disease, has unprotected sexual intercourse with someone whose sexual history he or she does not know, becomes sexually active at a young age, uses birth control pills, uses non-sterile contraceptives, has multiple sexual partners, or smokes. In some rare circumstances, adults and children may become indirectly infected through incidents like using an infected towel. If a woman is pregnant and is suffering from genital warts, the infection can pass on to the baby at the time of delivery.

Previous
1   2

“GoCures does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.” See additional information
2007 GoCuresLtd, All Rights Reserved