9 Things you must know about Genital Warts by Shaun Grace

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted disease that is very easily spread by skin-to-skin contact, usually from having unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex.  They are caused by Human Papillomavirus and 90% of them are caused by strain 6 or 11. They are small painless bumps that are hard.  There is only one treatment for the symptoms of Genital warts which includes topical drugs, burning, freezing of the warts, surgery, and laser treatment. Currently, there is no cure for Genital warts.  They are caused by a virus which makes using antibiotics not work for treating them. It is estimated that at least half of all sexually active people will become infected with genital HPV at some time in their lives and most people will never even know they have it because HPV usually has no signs or symptoms. Using condoms can greatly decrease your chance of contracting genital warts.

1)     Genital warts are caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV)

2)     There is no cure for Genital warts, only treatment of the symptoms

3)     Genital warts can be in the mouth or the genital areas

4)     Genital warts are very common and affect 500,000 – 1,000,000 every year

5)     They usually develop between six weeks and six months after infection but could take longer to see symptoms

6)     Genital Warts can cause itching or discomfort in your genital areas

7)     Human papillomavirus which causes Genital warts and can also cause cervical cancer in women

8)     Using condoms can greatly reduce your risk of contracting Genital Warts

9)     Vaccine is now available that protects against the HPV strains that cause Genital Warts

Genital Warts can be easily avoided by taking precautions during sexual intercourse such as using condoms and knowing the history of your partner’s sexual past. Remember there is no cure for Genital Warts, so a little caution now will save you from a lot of problems and possible embarrassment later. Also if you do not currently have Genital warts then there is a vaccine available that protects against HPV strains that cause most cases of genital warts.  Although the vaccine is most effective if given to children before they become sexually active. Also, a person who does contract Genital Warts can still have a long happy life and if taking proper precautions can still lead a sexually active life without infecting their partners.

Works Cited

“Genital Warts.” Planned Parent Hood.  15 May 2013

http:// www.planned parenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/genital-warts-4268.htm

“Genital Warts.” Mayo Clinic.  12 January 2012

http://www.mayoclinic.com /health/ genital-warts / DS00087 / DSECTION =complications

“Genital Warts.” Centers for disease control and convention. 28 January 2011

http: //www.cdc.gov/std /treatment / 2010 /genital-warts.htm