Genital Warts Causes (HPV)

• Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Over 100 types of HPVs have been identified; about 40 of these types have the potential to infect the genital area.
  
  
  • About 90% of genital warts are caused by two specific types of the virus (HPV-6 and -11), and these HPV types are considered "low risk," having a low cancer-causing potential. Other HPV types have been strongly associated with premalignant changes and cervical cancers in women. HPV-16 is responsible for about 50% of cervical cancers, and types 16, 18, 31, and 45 together account for 80% of cancers.
    
    
  • Common warts are not the same as genital warts and are caused by different HPV types that infect the skin.
    
    
• The viral particles are able to penetrate the skin and mucosal surfaces through microscopic abrasions in the genital area, which occur during sexual activity. Once cells are invaded by HPV, a latency (quiet) period of months to years may occur.
  
  
  • Generally, two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with a partner who has genital warts develop them within three months.
    
    
  • Genital warts are indirectly associated with use of birth control pills due to increased sexual contact without the use of barrier protection, multiple sex partners, and having sex at an early age.

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Genital Warts (HPV Infection)

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