5 Myths and Misconceptions About Genital Warts

Genital warts are one of the most widely spread sexually transmitted diseases, but a lot of people still lack the knowledge regarding the nature of the said condition, how it is spread, and how to prevent or treat it. Clear, reliable, and updated information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts is hard to find. The result of this unfortunate reality is the non-stop circulation of myths and misconceptions about genital warts.

Wrong information may bring about a lot of physical and emotional negative consequences to the sufferer. The person may suffer from extreme anxiety regarding his/her condition, undergo a painful and costly treatment method that otherwise could have been avoided.

Here are the most common myths and misconceptions to make readers understand what HPV and genital warts are.

Myth #1: Only women can be infected with HPV and contract genital warts.

Fact: The probability of getting infected with HPV and having genital warts is more or less the same for both sexes. However, genital warts symptoms seem to manifest more on women since their anatomy is a conducive breeding ground for HPV compared to that of men. The moist and warm environment of a woman's vagina makes it a prime location for the HPV to thrive in and multiply.

Myth #2: I can only get infected with genital warts through unprotected sex.

Fact: There is no doubt that engaging in unprotected sex raises your chances of being infected with HPV. The virus can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Hence, some forms of barrier protection such as condoms won't completely shield you against several STDs since they do not cover the whole genital region. HPV can also be spread through oral sex, manifesting in the form of warts in the throat and mouth areas. In addition, studies have shown that the virus can be passed on through direct contact with fomites, which are contaminated physical objects like bath towels and medical equipment.

Myth #3: The appearance of genital warts is the only thing that indicates their presence.

Fact: HPV, when spread, can remain in an incubation phase that can last from as fast as a couple of weeks to as long as several years. Hence, the symptoms of genital warts will most likely not appear immediately. In fact, a carrier of HPV may forever remain unaware that the virus is still within his/her system. Experts estimate that only approximately 1 percent of all sexually active Americans have visible genital warts.

Myth #4: Genital warts automatically lead to cervical cancer.

Fact: A different strain of HPV causes genital warts. These HPV strains are completely not linked to those that are known to cause cervical cancer, specifically types 45, 31, 18, and 16. Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV strains, namely 44, 43, 42, 11, and 6.

Myth #5: If I have had genital warts, I will most definitely experience recurrent episodes for the rest of my life.

Fact: There are some cases wherein genital warts recur. However, they do so in different levels of persistence. However, if the immune system becomes compromised through temporary trauma such as stress, surgery, or serious illness, or through the intake of certain drugs, it may not be able to stop the reactivation of HPV so genital warts may resurface.

W. Darren - - About the Author:

For more information, kindly visit Genital Warts Support Team - a health resource dedicated to providing factual information about Genital Warts. Don't miss out the useful topics: "Prevention of Genital Warts", "Are Genital Warts Curable?" and more.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/5-myths-and-misconceptions-about-genital-warts-653845.html

5 Myths and Misconceptions About Genital Warts

Genital warts are one of the most widely spread sexually transmitted diseases, but a lot of people still lack the knowledge regarding the nature of the said condition, how it is spread, and how to prevent or treat it. Clear, reliable, and updated information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts is hard to find. The result of this unfortunate reality is the non-stop circulation of myths and misconceptions about genital warts.

Wrong information may bring about a lot of physical and emotional negative consequences to the sufferer. The person may suffer from extreme anxiety regarding his/her condition, undergo a painful and costly treatment method that otherwise could have been avoided.

Here are the most common myths and misconceptions to make readers understand what HPV and genital warts are.

Myth #1: Only women can be infected with HPV and contract genital warts.

Fact: The probability of getting infected with HPV and having genital warts is more or less the same for both sexes. However, genital warts symptoms seem to manifest more on women since their anatomy is a conducive breeding ground for HPV compared to that of men. The moist and warm environment of a woman's vagina makes it a prime location for the HPV to thrive in and multiply.

Myth #2: I can only get infected with genital warts through unprotected sex.

Fact: There is no doubt that engaging in unprotected sex raises your chances of being infected with HPV. The virus can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Hence, some forms of barrier protection such as condoms won't completely shield you against several STDs since they do not cover the whole genital region. HPV can also be spread through oral sex, manifesting in the form of warts in the throat and mouth areas. In addition, studies have shown that the virus can be passed on through direct contact with fomites, which are contaminated physical objects like bath towels and medical equipment.

Myth #3: The appearance of genital warts is the only thing that indicates their presence.

Fact: HPV, when spread, can remain in an incubation phase that can last from as fast as a couple of weeks to as long as several years. Hence, the symptoms of genital warts will most likely not appear immediately. In fact, a carrier of HPV may forever remain unaware that the virus is still within his/her system. Experts estimate that only approximately 1 percent of all sexually active Americans have visible genital warts.

Myth #4: Genital warts automatically lead to cervical cancer.

Fact: A different strain of HPV causes genital warts. These HPV strains are completely not linked to those that are known to cause cervical cancer, specifically types 45, 31, 18, and 16. Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV strains, namely 44, 43, 42, 11, and 6.

Myth #5: If I have had genital warts, I will most definitely experience recurrent episodes for the rest of my life.

Fact: There are some cases wherein genital warts recur. However, they do so in different levels of persistence. However, if the immune system becomes compromised through temporary trauma such as stress, surgery, or serious illness, or through the intake of certain drugs, it may not be able to stop the reactivation of HPV so genital warts may resurface.

W. Darren - - About the Author:

For more information, kindly visit Genital Warts Support Team - a health resource dedicated to providing factual information about Genital Warts. Don't miss out the useful topics: "Prevention of Genital Warts", "Are Genital Warts Curable?" and more.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/5-myths-and-misconceptions-about-genital-warts-653845.html

Genital Warts are Caused by the Human Papilloma Virus

Genital warts is one of the two most commonly spread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) caused by a virus. The other is genital herpes. The disease is caused by the human papilloma virus often abbreviated as hpv.

The wart like lesions that appear with this STD are called condyloma acuminate.  They look like small, flesh colored growths in the genital and anal region.  Research indicates that 10-40% of women who are sexually active are infected with hpv.  Both men and women can transmit and receive the virus and the presence of the hpv is not always accompanied by the appearance of genital warts. 

Routes of Transmission

Genital warts are spread through direct contact with an infected person during vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. Approximately sixty percent of people who have sexual contact with someone who has genital warts will develop symptoms themselves, usually within three months of the encounter.

The human papilloma virus penetrates through tiny abrasions in the genital area that occur during sexual activity. Once the virus is in the body it become latent or inactive for several weeks, months, or sometimes even years. Typically it takes about three months for the first symptoms to appear, but it could take much longer or much less time.

Penetrating sex is not necessary for the spread of hpv. Studies have proven that sexual contact of any kind with an infected person can spread the virus. An infected person is able to spread the virus to a non-infected partner even when there is no outward or visible signs of genital warts.

In rare cases, adults or children may be infected indirectly. For example, using an infected person's towel can cause an infection if rubbed against the genitals. Also, babies may be infected through a vaginal delivery of a mother with genital warts.

HPV, the cause of Genital Warts

There are more than 100 different types of the human papilloma  virus, and over 40 of these can infect the genitals through sexual contact. These specific strains of HPV are highly contagious. Because of the long incubation period, many people may be unaware that they are infected and continue to spread the virus through sexual contact.

Genital Warts Symptoms

The most common genital warts symptoms are the appearance of the warts themselves. Generally they are painless but might cause irritation and itching depending on their size and location. It is not uncommon to develop the warts in more than one area.

In men specifically, genital warts can infect the urethra, scrotum, penis, and rectal areas. The warts will appear as soft, smooth, raised masses when on the penile shaft. Or, they can appear as anal warts, in which the growth is rough and protruding. The lesions will be raised, and only rarely will they appear flat with just a slight elevation above the skin.

In women, genital warts symptoms may not be noticeable if the warts are located inside the vagina where they are undetectable. However, the lesions most commonly occur in the labia minora and around the vaginal opening. Many times no symptoms at all are experienced aside from the appearance of growths (warts). In rare cases, women may experience bleeding following sexual intercourse when infected with HPV.

Genital Warts Treatment

As is the case with most viruses, there is no genital warts treatment that will completely get rid of the lesions or the hpv. The warts can be controlled, but the viral infection cannot be not cured. Prescription medications and topical creams are the most frequently used methods of treatment.

Small warts can be removed by means of laser surgery, cryosurgery (freezing), or electrocautery (burning). Application of various acids and resins may also be used. These genital wart treatments require several sessions and removal is not a permanent solution since it cannot prevent spreading of the human papilloma virus.  It genital warts are removed by any of these methods more lesions can still occur in the future.

Complications

The main complications of HPV infection are the development of cancerous lesions. Some forms of HPV can cause anal and/or penis cancer in men, and cervical cancer in women.

Prevention

Research is currently being conducted on vaccines that may protect against infection of HPV infection and one vaccine  (Gardisil) is now available for women. This vaccine protects against some of the strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer but cannot treat genital warts or cervical cancer once they have developed.

The only sure way to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, genital warts included, is to avoid direct contact with the causative organism, in this case the human papilloma virus.

For most STDs the use of a condom creates the barrier necessary to prevent the transmission of the pathogen.  However, this appears not to be the case for genital warts as the virus can infect areas not covered by the condom. The Center for Disease Control advises that the only sure way to prevent HPV is to avoid all sexual activity.  Restricting sexual activity to a monogamous relationship with a person confirmed to be "HPV free" would be advisable.

Beverly OMalley - About the Author:

Beverly Hansen OMalley is a nurse who is passionate about health promotion. Visit www.registered-nurse-canada.com where Bev explores the uniqueness of the nursing profession in Canada including comparison of nurse salary across the country, preparation for the Canadian nursing entrance test and how to become a nurse in Canada if you graduated in another country.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/sexuality-articles/genital-warts-are-caused-by-the-human-papilloma-virus-880311.html