When you've come in contact with a partner infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV), the transmission of the highly contagious STD known as genital warts is an unfortunate consequence. For the rest of your life, you will face the threat of the cauliflower-like, flat, clustered, smooth, or rough growths that most often appear on the genitals or the region located around the rectum. HPV is responsible for more than 100 strains– with some types more stubborn than others to treat. Contrary to popular belief, only a few kinds lead to genital warts or the early stages of cancer – most often seen in women who develop cervical cancer.
Today, genital warts serve as one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases – usually affecting people in their 20's. Since some people do not exhibit any visible signs of the condition, they often unknowingly pass on the HPV infection to their sexual partners.
It is the skin-to-skin contact that intimate couples share with one another that creates the perfect environment for the virus to spread. A lesser-known mode of transmission is through oral sex, where HPV can develop warts both inside and outside of the mouth, as well as in the throat. In rare instances, indirect infection is possible, such as an individual that shares a towel with someone who is infected with the virus. Mothers can also pass genital warts to their babies during delivery.
Pinpointing the Signs of Genital Warts
The emergence of genital wart symptoms and signs do not surface until two to four weeks after infection. Some individuals will experience signs of infection months later when the warts are finally detected by the naked eye. Typically, genital warts do not cause pain, but have an uncanny knack for causing itchy discomfort. They sometimes appear as flat growths, while other outbreaks are rough and clustered in a cauliflower-like formation. A wart can emerge as a single annoyance or appear in a group of several.
In men, genital warts form on the penis, underneath the foreskin, in the urethra, and around the rectum. As for women, they often develop warts on the lips of their vulva, by the urethra, in the vagina, or in and around the anus. Sometimes, an itchy and burning sensation indicates a medical issue, which could come as a result of genital warts.
A visit to the doctor can help locate hard-to-find warts. A physician may look for the following signs:
- A cauliflower-shaped growth
- Swellings in the genital region that are very small, pink, red, or gray
- Itching and burning in the genital region
They may also ask if you've been experiencing any pain, bleeding, or discomfort during sexual intercourse. In some cases, a doctor may apply an acetic acid solution to your genitals in an effort to make the warts appear white. A special microscope called a colposcope also allows your doctor to analyze suspected infected regions. When it comes to genital warts, it is important to pay a visit to a physician in order to prevent possible complications or the spread of the infection to others.
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The human papillomavirus (HPV) is behind a great deal of viral infections that assault the body with both visible and not-too-visible growths – better known as warts. These highly contagious formations can become an eyesore...
