GENITAL WARTS
Genital warts are fairly common. They are a symptom of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) known as human papillomavirus. They are usually painless bumps in the genital area such as the penis, anus or vaginal area. You get HPV by having sex with someone who has the virus. HPV is spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Some people don't show signs even though the wart virus is in their skin. Others do have signs. Even if the warts go away or are removed, the virus stays in your body and can be spread to others.
They can be treated by your physician with a topical drug applied to the area or by freezing the warts. In some cases surgical removal may be required.
Genital warts can be treated but not cured. The treatment can help make you feel better and can help take away the warts. But you will always have the virus. Having the virus can cause these problems:
You can pass it to others.
You have a higher chance of getting HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
If a pregnant woman has genital warts, she could have these problems:
The warts could grow and block the vagina.
The baby could get the virus.
Some wart medicines are not safe for pregnant women to use.
For more information please read our articles on:
Human Papillomavirus
Cervical Cancer.
