How can I reduce the risk of contracting genital warts?

Any person who is sexually active can come across this common virus. Ways to reduce the risk are: * Not having sex with anyone. * Having sex only with one partner who has sex only with you. People who have many sex partners are at higher risk of getting other STDs. * If someone has [...]

How are genital warts and HPV diagnosed?

Sometimes, warts can be very hard to see. Also, it can be hard to tell the difference between a wart and normal bumps on the genital area. If someone thinks he or she has warts or have been exposed to HPV, they should go to a doctor or clinic. A doctor or nurse will check [...]

How are genital warts transmitted?

* Any person who is sexually active can get genital warts. * The types of HPV that cause genital warts are usually spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or possibly oral sex with someone who has this infection. * Very little is known about passing subclinical HPV to sex partners. HPV may be [...]

How often can episodes of genital warts occur?

* Some people only have one episode, while others have recurrences * When warts are present, the virus is considered active * When warts are gone, the virus is latent (sleeping) in the skin cells – it may or may not be contagious at this time * Genital warts may or may not return after [...]

What do genital warts look like?

Genital warts appear as flesh-toned or gray growths that are raised or flat on, in and around the genitals. They can grow in clusters that resemble cauliflower, or they can appear singularly. In women, genital warts appear inside and outside of the vagina and inner thighs. They can also appear on the anal region, growing [...]