Genital Warts
Genital Warts are caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). The virus infects the skin and mucous membranes. There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of men and women, including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), and anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, and rectum. You cannot see HPV. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it. Some HPV have been linked to cervical cancer in females and penile cancer in males. This STD is commonly found in teens and young adults who have multiple sex partners. Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and another 6.2 million people become newly infected each year. At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.
Illustration of the molecular surface of the papillomavirus
credits: Harrison Laboratory
How do I get this STD?
This STD is spread during vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has Genital Herpes.
What should I watch for?
Symptoms show within weeks to months after contact with the HP virus.
What does it look like?
VERY GRAPHIC!
Genital warts usually appear as small bumps or groups of bumps, usually in the genital area. They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large, and sometimes cauliflower shaped. They can appear on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, and on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh. Warts may appear within weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected person. Or, they may not appear at all.
Genital Warts often accompany other STDs.
What happens if I don't get treated?
There is a treatment that will control the infection and the warts. There is NO cure.
You can give your partner Genital Warts.
If left untreated, genital warts may go away, remain unchanged, or increase in size or number. They will not turn into cancer. If these warts continue to grow they may make it difficult to have sex, difficult to urinate (pee), and difficult to have a bowel movement.
How can I prevent it?
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs.
There is a vaccine that helps protect against some HPV. The GARDASIL vaccine is the only cervical cancer vaccine that helps protect against 4 types of human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and 2 more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases. GARDASIL is for girls and young women ages 9 to 26. The Health Departments offer Gardasil vaccinations for youth 9-26. For more information about Gardasil contact your local health department. Phone numbers for local health departments can be found in the right column of this page.
Using a new latex condom (rubber) with a water-based lubricant every time you have sex may help prevent you from getting this STD. If the genital wart is in an area that is not covered by the condom, and there is skin-to-wart contact, you are at a HIGH risk for getting this STD!
Read below for more ways you can protect yourself...
ANSWER:
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs. There is really no way to have a sexual relationship with another person that does not put you at risk for STDs. Ideally you should wait to have sex until you are ready for a permanent relationship with just one person and when they are equally committed to this relationship and to only having sex with you. Even in this situation, there is a risk of STDs if you or your partner has had other sexual relationships prior to this relationship.
If you are having sex now using a latex condom is your first line of defense. Use a new condom every time you have sex. Many teens are embarrassed to buy condoms, but if you are old enough to have sex, you are old enough to act responsibly. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from taking care of yourself and your partner.
Think ahead and always be prepared!
More Ways to Protect Yourself if You are Having Sex Now:
- Have sex only with one partner who is not infected and is only having sex with you.
- Talk with your partner about past sex partners and about any needle drug use.
- Don't have sex with someone who you think might have a STD.
- Before you have sex, look closely at your partner for any signs of STD. If you see anything you are worried about, don't have sex!
- Use a latex condom (rubber) for oral and anal sex. Use an unlubricated condom for oral sex. Males and females should both carry protection.
- In addition to condoms, use birth control foam, cream, or jelly. These kill many STD germs.
- Urinate immediately after sex - this may help remove harmful germs from the urinary tract.
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgment, making you more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
- Get checked for STDs every time you have a health exam if you have had sex. Remember not all STDs have symptoms!
- Know the symptoms of STDs. If you notice a symptom, go see a doctor.
- If you have a STD, your partner must get treated. Don't have sex until your treatment is complete.
The Teen Health Program website is funded through the Georgia Department of Public Health - Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program.