Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STD) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV cause cancer, but most don’t.
They can develop on the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, penis, scrotum or anus. They look like cauliflower-shaped bumps.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and it can cause genital warts. HPV is a virus that is spread through skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal or anal sex. The virus can also be transmitted through genital contact without sex, but this is uncommon.
Most people with an HPV infection have no symptoms or health problems, and the virus usually goes away on its own within two years. However, chronic infections, particularly with certain types of HPV that cause high-risk genital warts, can lead to cancer and other serious conditions over time.
About half of the people who get an HPV infection will develop genital warts, with most of these occurring before age 30. The warts can be small or large, flat or raised, and may appear singly or in clusters. They often grow on the vulva, cervix, vaginal wall, or the skin around the vagina and the penis and anus.
Although a few different strains of HPV can cause genital warts, the vast majority are caused by two types of HPV (HPV types 6 and 11) that have a low risk of causing cancer. A few other strains, called high-risk HPV types, are associated with a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, vulvar or vaginal cancer, anal cancer, and throat cancer.
It is estimated that 3% of all women’s cancer and 2% of all men’s cancers in the United States are caused by high-risk HPV types. Routine screenings, Pap smears, and HPV testing can help prevent these cancers from developing in the first place.
Genital warts may appear in children, especially those ages 1 to 6. They can be found on the vulva and vaginal wall or cervix, and the skin around the genitals and anus.
They can be soft, moist, pink or gray and grow rapidly over a period of 1 to 6 months. They may be flat, raised, or appear in a cauliflower shape, and they can be small, hard to see, or larger and more visible.
There are many treatments for genital warts. They include prescription creams, such as imiquimod (Aldara(r)), podofilox (Condylox(r)), and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). If you have genital warts, ask your healthcare provider what the best treatment is for you. The type you need will depend on the size and number of warts, your personal preferences, your health, and available resources.
Unprotected sexual activity
Genital warts, also called condyloma acuminata, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 40 different strains of HPV that can cause genital warts. These viruses usually appear as small, skin-colored bumps on the labia, at the opening of the vagina, or around or inside the anus.
These infections are very common and can be passed from person to person. The most important thing to do is to use condoms when having intercourse with an infected partner. You should also make sure that you are in a healthy relationship and that your partner is also infection-free.
If you have genital warts, it is very important to talk with your health care provider about treatment options. These include medications and creams.
It is also important to follow a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and take part in regular exercise. This will help your body to fight off the HPV virus.
When you are diagnosed with genital warts, your health care provider will recommend treatment. These treatments may be oral, topical, or in the form of a laser treatment.
Most genital warts clear up on their own, but some may come back over time, even after treatment. These are known as persistent genital warts.
Taking steps to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections is very important, but it can be hard to do when you have genital warts. The best way to avoid genital warts is to talk with your healthcare provider and to limit your sexual activity, especially with people who have genital warts.
In addition, it is important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs. These can interfere with the immune system’s ability to fight off the virus.
The HPV vaccine is a series of 2 shots that prevent certain types of HPV from infecting the genital area. It is recommended for boys and girls 9 to 12 years old.
Another important step is to limit your number of sexual partners over time. This helps to reduce the chances that you will contract genital warts, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases.
Hormones
Genital warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can be transmitted through sexual contact and is the most common cause of STDs in North America.
Some types of HPV can cause a type of cancer called cervical cancer. Some types can also cause cancers of the vulva, anus, penis, and mouth and throat. If you have a high-risk type of HPV and get regular Pap tests, you should talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against these cancers.
Most people who are infected with HPV never have any symptoms, and they can pass the virus on to others through skin-to-skin sex. About 2 in 3 people who have sex with someone infected with HPV will catch the infection.
When a person gets genital warts, they can be itchy or painful and may be unsightly. Some people have many warts, while others only have one or two. The growths are usually flesh-colored, and they look like small bumps or pieces of cauliflower.
They can grow anywhere in the genital area, including the vagina, on the cervix, on or inside the urethra, or on the tip of the penis. In men, they can also occur on the scrotum, thigh, or groin.
There is no known cure for HPV or genital warts, but your doctor can help you get rid of them. Treatments can include freezing the warts, liquid treatments, creams or ointments, and laser surgery.
In some cases, your doctor can prescribe a drug that helps your immune system clear HPV from the body. This medication can be taken by mouth or injected into the bloodstream.
You can also take a special supplement, called Veregen, that contains catechins, which help strengthen the immune system. This supplement can be self-administered and is placed on the external warts 3 times a day for 16 weeks.
It is best to have your genital warts checked by a doctor Rokhsar, as they can affect how you live and how you feel about yourself. Then you can choose the best treatment for your situation. You can book an appointment online using the NHS booking system, based on where you live.
Genetics
Most cases of genital warts develop due to the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This virus is found in most individuals and can be passed to another person as long as it remains in the body.
HPV infections often go away on their own, but treatment can shorten the duration of genital warts and ease symptoms. Some people may also need a surgical procedure to remove their warts, such as freezing or excision.
These procedures are done in the doctor’s office or clinic under local anesthesia, which prevents pain. Laser therapy is another option, which uses a light source to destroy the wart.
Some people have a genetic condition that causes them to be more susceptible to genital warts. This condition is called WHIM syndrome, and it involves a mutation in the CXCR4 gene.
Compared to healthy people, those with WHIM syndrome have very low levels of certain white blood cells (neutrophils). These are the body’s defense system against bacterial and viral infection.
This disorder makes it more difficult for the body to fight off HPV. This can cause genital warts and other health problems.
It may also increase a person’s risk of cervical cancer, the most common type of genital cancer. This is because high-risk strains of HPV can lead to changes in the cervix that can lead to cancer.
The CDC recommends getting the Gardasil vaccine, which protects against the most common types of HPV that cause genital warts and cervical cancer. It is given in a series of two or three shots depending on age.
Those with a family history of genital warts are at higher risk for developing them. This is especially true if the mother or sister of the patient had genital warts or a related STI, such as cervical cancer.
A recent study in Denmark suggests that genital warts may be linked to a genetic variation in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene. This discovery could lead to mRNA-based vaccines against genital warts and other conditions.
In addition, the CDC recommends getting an HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active. Currently, there are two HPV vaccines: Gardasil and Gardasil 9.