Genital Wart occur on the vulva, vagina and cervix in women and on the penis in men. In women the virus may be detected by a cervical smear as it changes the appearance of cervical cells. Genital warts require medical treatment as they are linked to cervical cancer.

Causes of Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by a virus - HPV - that infects the top layers of your skin. There are more than 100 different types of HPV, but only a few can cause genital warts. These strains of the virus are highly contagious and spread through sexual contact with an infected person. About two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with someone who has genital warts develop the condition - usually within three months of contact, but in some cases not for years.

Risk factors of Genital Warts

Having another sexually transmitted disease
Poor nutrition and hygiene
Medical conditions that suppress the immune system

Diagnosed of Genital Warts

A doctor or other health care worker usually can diagnose genital warts by seeing them on a patient. Women with genital warts also should be examined for possible HPV infection of the cervix.

Treatment of Genital Warts

Genital warts are treated by using cryotherapy, laser therapy or painting with an acid, as for other types of wart. Genital warts may be spread by sexual contact, so condoms should be used to try to prevent this. Once genital warts have been diagnosed it is advisable to use condoms always as they do sometimes recur.

A recurrence is possible so long as even one infected cell remains. If the virus has been transplanted in the neighbouring area, new lesions will develop even after the primary lesions have been removed. These facts should be explained to the patient and his attendants before treatment is undertaken.

Pregnant women shoult not be treated with podophyllin since its absorption may cause foetal abnormalities.