Genital Warts (HPV) Learning Center

We are all familiar with warts as harmless but ugly soft small growths on the skin.But warts found in the genital area - on the vagina, penis, vulva, anus or cervix - are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and require immediate medical attention. Why? They are contagious and they are a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Not only that, they increase your risk for certain cancers - find out more in the Genital Warts Learning Center's Complications Section.

If you are sexually active, you need to know the symptoms of genital warts because sometimes the warts themselves are small and in places where they might not be seen. There are several treatment options - find out more about the treatment your doctor has recommended. What type of doctor treats genital warts? Consult the Genital Warts Learning Center's Doctor Specialties section to guide you. Medications are also available to treat genital warts but don't make the mistake of using over-the-counter drugs used for common warts. These can burn the skin and do not treat the HPV infection that causes genital warts.

Prevention of genital warts has become a controversial subject with the advent of the HPV vaccine. Our Health Experts sound off about all aspects of it. As with any infection, some people are more vulnerable to genital warts than others. The Genital Warts Learning Center's Risk Factors section will help you evaluate your risk.