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Genital Warts
Alternate Names : Condyloma, Condylomata Acuminata, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Penile Warts, Venereal Warts
DefinitionGenital warts are soft wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease. Genital warts are transmitted via sexual intercourse (known as a sexually transmitted disease or STD).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The virus responsible for genital warts is called human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus can cause warts on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and around the anus.
Infection with HPV around the gentials is very common, although most people have no symptoms. Even if you do NOT have symptoms, however, you must be treated to avoid complications and spreading the condition to others.
There are more than 70 different types of HPV. Several types are associated with genital warts. Other types are associated with common or flat warts elsewhere on the skin.
HPV grows well in the moist genital area. Warts on the outer genitals are easily recognized. They are raised, flesh-colored lesions that may occur singly or in clusters. Left untreated, warts may rapidly enlarge, taking on a "cauliflower-like" appearance.
In women, HPV can invade the vagina and cervix. These warts are flat and not easily visible without special procedures. Because HPV can lead to cancerous and precancerous changes in the cervix, it is important that this condition be diagnosed and treated. Regular pap smears are neccessary to detect HPV or other abnormal changes related to this virus. Having both HPV and herpes virus together puts you at paricular risk for cervical cancer.
The following factors put you at higher risk for getting genital warts and other complications of HPV:
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Multiple sexual partners
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Not knowing if someone you had sex with had STDs
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Early age when you start to be sexually active
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Tobacco and alcohol use
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Stress and other viral infections (such as HIVor herpes) at the same time
If a child has genital warts, you should suspect sexual abuse as a possible cause.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Genital Warts Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Genital Warts Symptoms & Signs
• Genital Warts Prevention
• Genital Warts Diagnosis & Tests
• Genital Warts Treatment
• Genital Warts Prognosis
• Genital Warts Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Cervical Cancer
• Cervical Dysplasia
• Warts
Tests & Exams
• Pap Smear
Other Topics
• Cervix
• Cryosurgery
• Electrocauterization
• Itching
• Laser Therapy
• Penis
• Safe Sex
• Scrotum
• Surgical Excision
• Vagina
• Vaginal Discharge
• Vaginal Itching
• Vulva
Review Date : 8/8/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/1/2002).
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