Genital warts Health Article

Complications

At least 70 types of HPV have been identified, several of which have been linked to cervical and vulvar cancer. The warts may become numerous and quite large, requiring more extensive treatment and follow-up procedures.

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if a current or past sexual partner is found to have genital warts. Call if you have visible warts on your external genitals, itching, discharge, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Keep in mind that genital warts may not appear for months to years after having sexual contact with an infected person.

Call your doctor if a young child is thought to possibly have genital warts.

Sexually active teens are very susceptible to HPV and should get screened for HPV infection regularly.

Prevention

Total abstinence is the only foolproof way of avoiding genital warts and other STDs. You can also avoid STDs by having a monogamous sexual relationship with a partner known to be disease-free.

Skin near the warts and around the genitals, anus, and other areas can pass the virus from one person to the next. Therefore, male and female condoms cannot fully protect you. Nonetheless, condoms should still be used. They reduce your chances of getting or spreading STDs. These precautions must be taken at all times. HPV can be passed from person to person even when there are no visible warts or other symptoms. See: Safe sex

A new vaccine called Gardasil prevents infection against four of the HPV strains responsible for the majority of genital warts and cervical cancer in women. The vaccine is given as a series of three shots. It is recommended for girls and women ages 9 to 26.

References

Diaz ML. Human Papilloma Virus - Prevention and Treatment. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. June 2008; 35(2); 199-217.

Armstrong C. ACIP Releases Recommendations on Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine. Am Fam Physician. May 1, 2007; 75(9); 1391-1380.