Return to Women's Health Articles Index Page		| E-Mail Page To A Friend |

Human Papillomavirus ( HPV )

Review of Genital Human Papillomavirus ( HPV )

Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases or STD's among men and women young and old alike. More than 20 million people this year will be diagnosed with some form of genital warts or HPV.

Caused by the human papillomavirus ( HPV ), genital warts are actually 'benign' or non-cancerous tumors that form on the skin's surface in the genital area. The most common symptom of genital warts is a raised or cauliflower like bump or cluster of bumps in the genital area.

Who is at Risk for Contracting Genital Warts?

Men and women who are sexually active are equally at risk for contracting genital warts. Women who contract genital warts may develop warts on the outside opening of the vagina, on the inside, on the opening to the cervix and even around the anus.

Genital warts are highly contagious and can be spread through oral, genital and anal intercourse. If you have been exposed to genital warts you may not show any symptoms for up to three months after the initial contact with the infected person.

The Diagnosis of Genital HPV and Genital Warts?

Your healthcare provider can diagnose an infection of HPV by testing for HPV DNA at the time of your annual Pap smear. The Pap smear performed today not only reveals unusual cervical cells but can be used to subtype and identify an infection from HPV Virus. The diagnosis of genital warts is made by visual inspection, no biopsy is needed.

If left untreated some genital warts may eventually disappear on their own. However, it is possible for genital warts to develop into fleshy, cauliflower-like clusters that can be uncomfortable and will need to be treated.

What is the Treatment for Genital Warts?
Warts can be treated in a variety of manners. Among the more common forms of treatment include:

• Imiquimod cream
• Podophyllin antimitotic solution
• Trichloroacetic acid
• Freezing
• Laser Treatment

The treatment method selected may depend on the size of warts and severity of the infection. Many physicians will simply prescribe a cream that you can use in the privacy of your home to treat the genital warts.

Cervical Cancer and the Human Papillomavirus ( HPV )
Though there are more than 100 different strains of HPV, only about 30 are known to cause genital warts. Of these, some are directly linked to cervical cancer. Others have been linked with vulvar and anal cancer. It is important that you know that the majority of people diagnosed with an HPV infection will not develop cancer. However, if you are a woman it is critical that you have regular pelvic exams and Pap smears so that if you do develop any pre-cancerous or cancerous cells, they can be detected and treated early.

Pregnancy and the Human Papillomavirus ( HPV )

Genital warts can also cause some complications during pregnancy. In some women the warts get larger during pregnancy, and in others it is possible for the warts to grow and obstruct the birthing canal during delivery.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with genital warts know that you are not alone. Fortunately there are many very successful treatment options available to help alleviate the symptoms of genital warts. While there is no cure, genital warts can be managed effectively and you can go on to live a healthy and rewarding life.