Genital Warts
Genital warts, sometimes called venereal warts, are growths or bumps contracted through sexual contact. They are caused by
specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) is.
Currently, there are many different strains of the HPV virus.
Symptoms
In women, genital warts appear in and around the vagina or anus or on the cervix. In males, they appear on the penis,
Scrotum, groin, or thigh. Genital warts can be raised or flat, small or large. Sometimes they are grouped together into a
Cauliflower-like shape. Most of the time they are flesh-colored and painless. Sometimes the warts are so small and flat
that they may not be noticed immediately.
There may be several months or years to appear after the infection of the symptoms - symptoms if at all.
Most of the time, you own immune system will clear the HPV virus. However, in rare cases in women can lead the virus
Changes in the cervix, which lead to cancer. A Pap smear is a test that is recommended at age 21 and older to screen
for this problem. Men are infected with HPV, can also rarely at risk for cancer of the penis and the anus.
Contagiousness
Genital warts can be through sexual contact (anal, oral and vaginal) with an infected person and transmit warts
appear within several weeks or months later.
The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, but not everyone who has been exposed to the virus develop genital area
Warts. In fact, most people exposed to the virus do not develop warts.
Prevention and Treatment
A vaccine for people 9-26 years, old, is entitled to prevent HPV infection, which most cases of cervical cancer and
Genital warts. The vaccine, called Gardasil, given as three injections over a period of 6 months. It does not protect those
which has already been infected with certain HPV strains, and do not protect against all HPV types, so be sure your
Child gets routine checkups and / or gynecological examinations. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Since genital warts are spread through sexual contact, is the best way to prevent them to abstain from sex.
Sexual contact with more than one partner or with someone who has more than one partner increases the risk of
any STD.
When properly and consistently used, condoms reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Latex condoms provide better protection than
natural membrane condoms. The female condom, made of polyurethane, is also considered effective against STDs.
With shower can actually increase a woman's risk of contracting STDs because it can change the natural flora of the
Vagina and may flush bacteria higher into the genital tract.
The immune system usually clears the HPV infection. Genital warts can be treated and removed with prescription drugs
or other medical procedures such as freezing, or laser treatments.
A teen who is being treated for genital warts should also be tested for other STDs, and should have time alone with the
Doctor to openly discuss issues like sexual activity. Not all teens to be comfortable talking with parents about these
Problems. But it is important to encourage them to talk to a trusted adult who can provide facts.
Get help
If your child is thinking of getting sexually active or already has started having sex, is it important to talk about it.
Make sure your child knows how to spread sexually transmitted diseases (during anal, oral, or vaginal sex) and that these infections often
no symptoms, so a partner might have an STD without knowing it.
It can be difficult to talk about STDs, but as with any other medical issue, teens need this information to stay
safe and healthy. Give the facts and let your child know where you stand.
It is also important that all teens have regular full physical exams - which can screening for sexually transmitted diseases. Your teen
Maybe you want a gynecologist or a specialist in adolescent medicine, see talk about sexual health issues. Community
Health organizations and sexual counseling centers in your area may also be able to offer some guidance.