subject: Hpv Genital Warts Facts [print this page] Genital warts are produced by genital a HPV infection. Genital warts are also known as venereal warts. It is caused by virus called human papilloma virus.
This is a family of around 40 HPV viruses that has many strains and types causing several sexually transmitted diseases. These type of viruses have been known to produce certain kinds of cancers like cervix.
HPV viruses have been categorized as being either a low risk or high risk virus. Low risk viruses are warts causing and high risk are cancer causing viruses. HPV-6 and HPV-11 are the most common ones found in low risk category.
HPV genital warts producing viruses are transmitted by intimate sexual contact, intercourse and oral or anal sex. HPV virus can remain latent for years just like human immunodeficiency virus hence the infected person might not be even aware that he or she is infected.
Genital warts happen in singles or as groups of bumps within external genitals and mouth, throat and internally as well. They can occur on vulva, scrotum, penis, vagina, anus, groin, thighs and cervix.
Diagnosis of genital warts is very important and requires complete visual inspection followed by biopsy. There is no type of HPV test that could assist in finding out if the individual is infected by this virus.
There is a HPV test and pap screening available now in the market only for diagnosis of cervical cancer. Vinegar or acetic acid is used at moments by medical professionals to diagnose flat warts.
Treatment of HPV genital warts includes use of several anti mitotic drugs like podophyllin, 5-flourouracil, TCA, BCA, podofilox and imiquimod. There are a lot of surgical treatments accessible to remove them fully like cryosurgery, electrocautery, normal surgery and carbon dioxide laser therapy.
There are formulations of vaccines for females specifically to provide protection against four strains of HPV that cause genital warts and cervical cancers. Pap smear test has been proved to be useful for females. To avoid spread of HPV virus, condoms are a recommended way since they lessen the risk of HPV infection but as they can't cover the total infected area they're not totally protected.
HPV genital warts are in most of the cases, asymptomatic and painless but at the same time they are irritating and discomforting. In a few severe cases they will generate pain, bleeding and ulceration.
The most common problem due to HPV genital warts is mental stress as the non infected partner has a complete chance of acquiring it during sexual activity and there is no way to avoid its spread. The only way is to abstain from sexual activity to avoid HPV genital warts.
