3 Common Questions About Genital Warts

One of the most common virus that causes diseases in the skin and mucous membranes is the human papilloma virus or HPV. Out of the over 100 human papilloma virus types, some are transmitted through sexual contact and infect the genital region. These are known as genital HPV's.

HPV's are divided into two types - low-risk and high-risk. According to Dr. Fredrik F. Broekhuizen, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, the most common cause of genital warts are the low-risk Type 6 and Type 11. The high-risk Types 16 and 18 are the agents that cause 70% of all cervical cancer and pre-cancer conditions.

Dr. Broekhuizen added that HPV cannot be considered a true sexually-transmitted disease (STD) because exchange of body fluids does not spread the infection; skin contact does. Studies revealed that some 5-year-old children were infected with HPV but not through sexual contact. The children acquired the virus from their mother during childbirth.

1. How Genital Warts is Transmitted?

Genital human papilloma virus is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person. This happens during vaginal and anal sex where skins of both genitals come into direct contact. Genital warts are highly contagious and approximately 80% of individuals with more than one sex partner are likely to get the virus at some time in their lives.

While sexual promiscuity will greatly increase the chance of catching HPV, individuals engaged in a monogamous relationship can still acquire the virus if they have an infected partner. Condoms can only provide partial protection. HPV can still be transferred in exposed genital areas not covered by condoms. Infection is prevalent in young women during their early years of sexual activity.

The human body reacts to HPV infection in various ways. Many individuals who contract the virus will hardly notice any symptoms at all. Infected people with strong immune systems manage to eliminate the virus without knowing it. Others may have the infection for years and not be aware of it.

2. How Genital Warts Look Like?

A small percentage of individuals who contract HPV Types 6 and 11 will get genital warts. The warts break out usually three months after sexual contact with an infected partner; sometimes it takes years. They come out when an individual's immune system is brought down by poor health, pregnancy or stress. Genital warts will usually be found in the genital and anal areas. They can also occur inside the vagina and anus.

Warts vary in sizes from very tiny to large cauliflower-like clumps and can form singularly or in multiple clusters. Some can be so small that they can only be detected by close visual examination and touch. They are, more often than not, painless but may cause itching and bleeding in advanced stages.

3. Can Genital Warts be Treated?

Genital warts are easily treatable especially when detected in its early stage. According to Dr. CM Kodner of the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, Kentucky, surgical removal, cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), laser treatment and use of topical creams like Imiquimod and Podofilox are the most effective form of genital wart treatment.

Dr. Kodner said that successful treatment will cost from $200 to $300. He added that Fluorouracil and interferon treatment should be discontinued.