Genital Warts (HPV)

What is it?

Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). About 750,000 new cases of genital warts are diagnosed each year in the United States. Currently it is estimated that 4 million Americans have genital warts. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease.

How do you get it?

Spread by skin to skin contact or during vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse with someone who has genital warts. Some people have no visible warts, but can still infect their partner(s) because they carry the virus in their skin cells.

Incubation period

Symptoms usually show up 1 – 9 months after having sex, but can take even longer in some cases.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Small bumps (warts) in the genital area or upper thighs, sometimes occurring in clusters like cauliflower
• The warts may go away by themselves, but this usually takes several months
• The warts are the color of your skin and are painless; there may be an itching sensation when they are growing
• Some HPV infections are asymptomatic (do not cause visible warts)

Diagnosis

Genital warts are diagnosed visually or with a PAP smear. A PAP smear is recommended for all sexually active women because HPV can cause cellular changes of the cervix. There are no tests to diagnose asymptomatic infections.

Treatment

Treatment of genital warts involves removal of skin cells that contain virus particles. The most common treatment is an acidic solution applied to the warts by a clinician. Removal of genital warts sometimes requires several treatments over a period of a few months. More serious warts can be treated by freezing, laser, or surgery. Genital warts can recur after they have been removed. There is no treatment for the virus itself.

What happens if you don’t get treated?

• You can give genital warts to your sexual partner(s)
• HPV is associated with cervical cancer in women

Prevention

Gardasil – HPV Vaccine

• Prevents 4 HPV types: 16 & 18 (high risk) and 6 & 11 (low risk)
• Prevents 70% of cervical cancer and 50% of external warts
• Given by 3 injections over 6 months
• Recommended for females ages 9-26

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