The name, human papillomavirus is given to a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different types or strains. Out of these, 30 viruses are sexually transmitted, and they infect the genital areas of men and women including the anus, vulva (area outside the vagina) and the skin of the penis. Sometimes it includes the lining of the vagina, rectum or cervix. Individuals who are infected with genital warts are commonly asymptomatic (no symptoms) and clear the infection on their own.
How do you contract genital warts?
The strains of HPV that infect the genital area are spread through sexual contact. As these HPV infections are asymptomatic, most infected individuals are unaware of the disease and transmit the virus to their sex partners. A pregnant woman can rarely infect her baby during vaginal delivery.
Symptoms
- Genital warts appear in clusters or alone. They are usually painless, but can cause pain, itching or bleeding.
- These warts are soft and flesh coloured. They can be raised or flat.
- The warts appear on the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, scrotum or anus.
- Appearance after infection is one to eight months.
Long term effects of Genital Warts
There is 'no cure' for genital warts, even though in many women, the infection gradually disappears. The treatment is primarily directed to the changes in the mucous membrane or the skin caused by HPV infection, like warts or certain pre-cancerous changes in the cervix. About 10 of the 30 identified genital HPV strains can lead to development of cervical cancer. A Pap test can easily detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix.
Prevention of Genital Warts
The best way to avoid getting infected with genital warts is to refrain from any genital contact with another individual. And those who choose to be sexually active, must involve in a mutually monogamous relationship where the partner is uninfected. HPV infection is known to occur in both female and male genital areas that are protected or covered by a latex condom as well as in areas that are not protected. The effect of condoms in preventing genital warts is still unknown, but condom use has shown to lower the rate of cervical cancer, an HPV-related disease.
Treatment of Genital Warts
A drug company has recently marketed an HPV vaccine for women. This vaccine can protect females against 4 strains of HPV that are linked to 90% of genital warts cases and 70% of cervical cancer cases. This vaccine reduces the likelihood of cervical cancer by reducing the likelihood of HPV infection.
What to do if you think you have Genital Warts?
- If you think you have the symptoms mentioned, immediately rush to a doctor! This is not the time to be embarrassed as genital warts cannot be cured.
- There are many health departments in Australia with special clinics that treat STDs including HPV. In case you don't know where to go, call your local family planning clinic for more information. No matter where you are treated, your case will be kept absolutely private.
- It's normal to feel embarrassed about having HPV infection and it may be difficult to go to the doctor or the clinic. But it is necessary to get yourself treated even though it is the hardest thing to do. There is no other way to recover.
- Inform your sexual partner. If your partner is not treated, he/she can also spread genital warts! And your partner might infect you again.