HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) types 6 and 11 are most
frequently the cause of genital warts. There is no cure for HPV. Although condoms most likely prevent HIV infection,
evidence of their effectiveness against other sexually transmitted diseases is
mixed. Protection offered by condoms against HPV is not 100%. This is because HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact,
and it is possible for
the skin around your genital area not covered by the condom to become infected. Infection in women is easier than in men when condom is used.
HPV is spread through
direct skin-to-skin contact, usually during oral, genital, or anal sex with an
infected partner. While HPV can also be
transmitted via non-penetrative sexual activity, it is less transmissible than
via penetrative sex.
Usually there are no symptoms. In other cases
growths that you can feel (warts) may appear in the genital or rectal area
within several weeks, months, or years after contact with an infected person.
Genital warts are similar to common warts. Genital warts are flesh-coloured,
grayish white, or pinkish white. They usually appear as thin, flexible, solid
bumps on the skin that look like small pieces of cauliflower. Some warts,
however, are small and flat and may not be easily noticed. Other things you
could notice include:
- A foul smell, mild irritation, burning, itching,
or pain in the vulva or vagina.
- Pain with intercourse.
- Increased vaginal discharge.
- Bleeding (from injury to warts after sexual
intercourse.
About 90% of those who contract HPV will not develop
genital warts. Although there is no cure, a healthy immune
system can usually fight the virus off on its own.
When warts develop, they can be removed by a healthcare
provider. Removal of the warts
does not get rid of the virus. Because you will still have the virus after
treatment, the warts could come back. Genital warts that persist or come back
after standard treatment may be treated with shots of interferon. Interferon is
a medicine that boosts the body’s immune response and helps keep viruses from
multiplying.
Although 90% of HPV infections are cleared by the body
within two years of infection, it is possible for infected cells to undergo a
latency (quiet) period, with the first occurrence or a recurrence of symptoms
happening months or years later. Latent HPV, even with no outward symptoms, is
still transmissible to a sexual partner. If an individual has unprotected sex
with an infected partner, there is a 70% chance that he or she will also become
infected. In individuals with a history of previous HPV infection, the
appearance of new warts may be either from a new exposure to HPV, or from a
recurrence of the previous infection. About one-third of people with warts will
experience a recurrence.
Avoiding sexual contact or having a faithful partner
(who is HPV free of course) is the best way to prevent getting HPV. A vaccine
called Gardasil is available to prevent certain types of HPV infections that
are high risk for cancer of the cervix and warts. If you already have HPV, a
shot of the vaccine will not cure your infection, but it can help keep you from
getting infected with some other types of HPV. Other ways of prevention is to
avoid smoking (decreases immunity) and not having sex with your partner until they have been adequately treated.
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