Genital Warts Fact
Sheet
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of this Fact Sheet
Genital warts are caused by a virus
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the virus that causes
genital warts. There are many different types of HPV.
Genital warts are different from warts found on the hands
or feet.
Infection with HPV is spread by sexual contact
or from mother to baby
HPV infection is spread from person to person through
direct skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex
with someone who has genital warts. A baby can get the
virus if the mother has genital warts at the time of delivery.
Genital warts look like small bumps or cauliflower-like
clusters on the external (outside) or internal (inside)
genitals
- Genital warts appear 6 weeks to 8 months after contact
with an HPV infected person. Since genital warts can
occur on the internal genitals, they may be hard to
see. Sometimes the infection doesn't cause any warts,
and many people with HPV do not know they have it.
- It is very important for women to have Pap smears
done on a regular basis to make certain that no problems
have been caused by HPV.
Genital warts can be treated by a doctor. Methods
to remove genital warts are:
- Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen
- Using electrical heat (cautery)
- Using laser therapy
- Applying certain chemicals
Even though warts are removed, some of the virus may
stay alive in the skin and cause more warts. This means
that more than one treatment may be needed to get rid
of the warts permanently. -Do not use drugstore treatments
for warts on sensitive genital skin.
HPV can affect the cervix of women. Women who have had
genital warts or HPV should see their doctors for Pap
smears to monitor any changes that may occur, because
these women may have an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Genital warts can be prevented
- Avoid infection by abstaining from sex, or by only
having sex with one person who only has sex with you.
- Use a condom when having sex.
Pregnant women who have genital warts should
tell their doctor
Genital warts can cause problems during pregnancy and
childbirth. A woman with genital warts can have her baby
normally as long as the warts do not block the birth canal.
Persons who think that they or their partners
have genital warts should not have sex until they are
examined by a doctor
Persons with genital warts should tell their
partners so that they can also be examined by a doctor
Persons with genital warts should not have sex
until their doctor says it is okay
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