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 TransmissionGenital 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 WartsThere 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 SymptomsThe 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 TreatmentAs 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. ComplicationsThe 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. PreventionResearch 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.

You can catch genital Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) through being sexually active with an infected person.

It is the most common sexually transmitted disease and can cause genital warts to develop in both men and women.

There are over 40 types of HPV which can affect the skin and mucous membranes around the genital area. Infection is possible in the cervix, anus and rectum, on the penis and in the lining of the vagina.

Statistics show, for example, that in the USA over 20 million people are infected with genital HPV, and over half of sexually active people are at some time likely be infected.

It is also significant that it can be passed by skin to skin contact of the genital area and so does not necessarily require penetrative sex for infection.

Of significant concern is that sometimes genital HPV shows no symptoms which means an infected person may not even realise they have a problem.

 This can have very serious consequences for someone who has the higher risk type HPV because they can develop into cervical and other cancers.

What are the symptoms of infection?

A person infected with lower risk Human Papilloma Virus may develop genital warts around the groin, scrotum or penis in men or around or in the vagina, on the cervix or vulva in women.

The majority of these warts are caused by two types of HPV, types 6 and 11.

Sometimes a genital wart may be a small bump and can be either raised or simply flat, pink in colour and cauliflower shaped, and if you have sexual contact with an infected person the warts could develop from as little as a few weeks, a month or sometimes up to a number of years later.

Occasionally genital warts can cause bleeding from the urethra, a tube which carries urine, or the anus.

What should you do if you think you may be infected by HPV and have genital warts?

You should remember that while this type of HPV does not cause cancer, you do need to seek professional guidance from your medical practitioner. Either they can arrange for a practice nurse to examine you or refer you to a sexual health clinic.

Even if you or your partner can feel or see the warts, you need a doctor or nurse to carry out a thorough examination, when they will use a magnifying lens and possibly an internal examination of the vagina or anus to make a proper diagnosis.

So how does HPV cause genital warts to develop?

 What seems to happen is that the virus has an impact on normal, healthy cells through a mechanism that makes their growth abnormal. This may show up as genital warts or just remain unseen.

Over time your immune system may win the battle and defeat the virus. In some people where their immune system is weaker, they may not be able to remove the HPV and the genital warts may remain.

How can you prevent infection by HPV?

A growing number of government agencies have introduced vaccination programs which protect teenage girls from around 12 years of age.

There is further catch-up coverage for the 13-18 age group who may have missed the initial phases or did not get complete cover.

In addition to vaccination your next best option is to either avoid sexual activity altogether or limit yourself to sexual contact with one person in a long term committed relationship. And equally the key to reducing your risk profile for HPV-caused genital warts is to limit the number of sexual partners.

As well as vaccination, using condoms is an effective means towards reducing the risk of HPV infection and genital warts.

How to treat genital warts?

If the warts can be seen on examination you will likely be offered treatment to remove them. Successful treatment will depend on the strength of your immune system, and the size and type of wart.

Remember genital warts are not caused by bacteria but by a virus – the HPV – and so antibiotics will have no effect.

Your options include using a special cream applied to the infected area, a laser or heat treatment on the infected area, under local anaesthetic or freezing (cryotherapy).

Sometimes a combination of the above approaches may be used and you may feel some soreness for a few days after the treatment, but some pain killing drugs should help deal with this discomfort.

The best approach in these matters, however, is to see prevention of HPV and genital warts in the first place as a far better option than the need for a cure.