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Genital warts are soft warts that grow on and around the external genitals and anus of both sexes of sexually active adolescents and adults. They are caused by one of a variety of human papillomaviruses that cause all types of warts in humans. The infection is relatively easily spread from person to person through close human contact. The risk increases with multiple sexual partners and not using condoms.
Genital warts are soft warts that grow on and around the external genitals and anus of both sexes of sexually active adolescents and adults. They are caused by one of a variety of human papillomaviruses that cause all types of warts in humans. The infection is relatively easily spread from person to person through close human contact. The risk increases with multiple sexual partners and not using condoms.
Genital warts are soft warts that grow on and around the external genitals and anus of both sexes of sexually active adolescents and adults. They are caused by one of a variety of human papillomaviruses that cause all types of warts in humans. The infection is relatively easily spread from person to person through close human contact. The risk increases with multiple sexual partners and not using condoms.
and around the external genitals and anus of both sexes of sexually active adolescents and adults. They are not the usual hard warts that we get on our hands and other body parts but are usually soft fleshy lumps that grow in clusters, sometimes like bunches of tiny grapes or cauliflowers. What are the symptoms? The lumps are found on or around the penis in men, around the vaginal opening in women and near the anus in both sexes. They do not usually cause irritating symp- toms such as pain or itching. What is the cause? They are caused by one of a variety of human papillomaviruses that cause all types of warts in humans. The infection is rela- tively easily spread from person to person through close human contact. It is usually spread through sexual activity and may take several months to develop after the infec- tion is acquired. The risk increases with multiple sexual part- ners and not using condoms. Do genital warts occur in children? Yes, they can but it is very uncommon and if found, the possibility of sexual abuse must be considered. However, most cases are due to normal parent-child contact. What are the risks? The warts can eventually disappear with no treatment but most people choose to have them treated. They are contagious and can be spread to sexual partners. Condoms should be used but do not always protect against sexual transmission as the condom may not cover the affected part. Although some types of papillomavirus are associated with cervical cancer in women, the virus that causes actual warts is a different type, so women with warts are not generally at an increased risk of cancer. However, in general if a person has been exposed to one type of sexually transmit- ted condition, it is a good idea to check for others. Regular Pap smears should be taken as usual. How can spread be prevented? Genital warts are contagious, so sexual activity should be avoided until all the warts heal completely and then condoms used during sex. Try not to scratch the warts as this may cause them to spread. If a sexual partner has genital warts, they should see their doctor. What is the treatment? The treatment varies according to size and position of the warts and is therefore selected on an individual basis. They can be treated by chemical or physical means (eg, liquid nitrogen or the application of chemicals to the area). Despite adequate treatment, it is common for genital warts to recur. However, they can be retreated. The simplest treatment for small numbers of warts is podophyllotoxin paint which is usually applied twice a week by your doc- tor. Depending on the position of the warts, it is sometimes possible for people to apply preparations themselves under instruc- tion. A promising, new but more expensive chemical agent that works through the immune system is imiquimod cream applied three times a week. Genital warts are a common but some- times embarrassing problem and it is helpful to discuss your feelings with your doctor. Follow-up visits are important. PATIENT INFORMATION Genital warts AUTHOR: PROFESSOR JOHN MURTAGH Copyright of Professor John Murtagh and Australian Doctor. This patient handout may be photocopied or printed out by a doctor free of charge for patient information purposes. Typical spread of warts in the female Typical spread of warts in the male Vagina Labia Anus Shaft Corona Glans of penis