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GENITAL WARTS (also known as Human Papilloma Virus - HPV)
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What is it? |
| Viral infection (HPV) leads to growths (Genital Warts) that appear on penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, in or around anus or in throat. Increasing rapidly, especially among teenagers. Warts may be tiny or like cauliflowers, or flat. Must be treated early before they spread! |
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How do I get it? |
| Virus is spread by oral, anal or vaginal sex with someone who has the HPV virus. Warts may appear a few weeks after contact or months or years later. |
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What are the symptoms? |
| There may be no symptoms at first. It's called a "silent" epidemic. Then 1 to 3 months after contact cauliflower-like bumps may appear inside and outside genitals and/or rectum. May cause irritation or itch. Often painless. Bumps may be very tiny and almost invisible but they spread fast. |
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Is it dangerous? |
| Women who have been infected with some form of HPV are at high risk of cervical cancer. Extra risk of cancer of vulva, penis or anus among people who have or have had HPV infection, even if warts are gone. Babies born to women with HPV can get warts in their throats. |
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Is it common? |
| 750,000 new cases each year. Teenagers are at very high risk because their skin is till maturing. Tests determine when a person has been infected. Once you test positive, health professional must treat you and monitor you closely. |
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How do I get rid of it? |
| Warts may be treated with solution, gel, ointment; frozen or burned off with laser or electric needle, or with interferon-injectable treatment. Pregnant women require special treatment. If warts come back treatment must be repeated. Antibiotics do not cure this STD. |
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REMEMBER: |
| Condoms may help protect you against HPV/Genital Warts. Have only one non-infected partner or no sex at all. If you think you have warts, tell your partner. If you have ever had HPV or genital warts, be checked regularly for recurrence or warning signs of cancer. Drugstore treatment for other kinds of warts may be harmful if used on genital warts. |
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For more information contact you local health department or physician. |