Genital Warts
(HPV Infection)
- Genital Warts (HPV) Overview
- Genital Warts (HPV) Causes
- Genital Warts (HPV) Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Genital Warts (HPV) Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Pictures of Genital Warts
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Condoms and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Medical Author: Medical Authors: Barbara K. Hecht,
Ph.D. &
Frederick Hecht, M.D.
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including discharge and genital ulcer diseases. While the effect of condoms in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer, an HPV–associated disease.
Genital Warts (HPV) Overview
Genital warts, sometimes referred to as condyloma acuminata, are flesh-colored or gray growths found in the genital area and anal region of both men and women. They represent the most common sexually-transmitted disease caused by a virus. The warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Infection with genital warts may not be obvious.
Genital warts affect both men and women and can occur at any age.
- Most patients with genital warts are between the ages of 17-33 years. Genital warts are highly contagious. There is a 60% risk of getting the infection from a single sexual contact with someone who has genital warts.
- In children younger than three years, genital warts are thought to be transmitted by nonsexual methods such as direct manual contact. Nevertheless, the presence of genital warts in children should raise the suspicion for sexual abuse.
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Genital Warts (HPV Infection)
Pap Smear Introduction
Cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer) is the second most common cause of cancer-related disease and death among women worldwide. The best way to detect cervical cancer is by having regular Papanicolaou tests, or Pap smears. (Pap is a shortened version of the name of the doctor who developed the screening test.) A Pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells taken from the cervix.
A Pap smear can detect certain viral infections (such as human papillomavirus [HPV]) and other cancer-causing conditions. Early treatment of these conditions can stop cervical cancer before it fully develops. A woman may have cervical cancer and not know it because she may not have any symptoms.
The incidence of cancer and deaths from cervical cancer has significantly declined over the years because of prevention, screening, and early detection by the Pap smear. In the United States, about 2-3 million abnormal Pap smear results are found each year. Most of them ...
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Warts, Genital »
Until the 19th century, genital warts (GWs) were believed to be a form of syphilis or gonorrhea.
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