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Genital warts

Overview

Genital warts, which are also known as Condylomata acuminata, Condyloma, or venereal warts, are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital HPV infection, which affects about 20 million people in the US (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), is sexually transmitted (known as STI). Many people affected by genital HPV infection, however, do not have genital warts.

 

What do genital warts look like?

Genital warts are usually small, soft, moist, flesh-colored bumps growing in clusters in the genital area. In women, genital warts usually appear on the vulva, uterus, inside the vagina, or on the cervix. In men, genital warts can grow near the anus, on the penis, or in the scrotum area. Genital warts can also develop in the mouth of a person who has had oral sexual contact with an infected individual. There are cases where genital warts have been found on the thigh and groin section of the body.

See pictures of genital warts for details (Caution! The pictures are very graphic.)

Cause

There are hundred different types of HPV. Most of them are harmless. Strains 6 and 11 of genital HPV are responsible for most cases of genital warts. Most people infected by these strains do not develop any symptoms at all. The virus penetrates the skin through microscopic abrasions in the genital area, which occur during sexual activity. Once cells are invaded by HPV, a latency period (incubation period )of months to years may occur. People whose HPV infection is in the incubation period may still infect their partners. HPV virus can last from 3 months to 2 years without a symptom. This means that months can pass between the time a person is infected with the virus and the time a person notices genital warts. That causes the increase of HPV infectors and sometimes it may be impossible to track down who was the source of the infection.

Summary

• Genital warts are caused by the HPV. About 40 of HPV types can infect the genital area. About 90% of genital warts are caused by strains 6 and 11, which are considered "low risk" in developing cancer. Common warts are different from genital warts and are caused by different HPV types infecting the skin.
• The virus penetrates the skin through microscopic abrasions in the genital area, which occur during sexual activity. Once cells are invaded by HPV, a latency period (incubation period )of months to years may occur. Usually, people who have had sexual contact with an infected partner develop genital warts within three months.