Genital Warts/HPV
Cause:
Genital and anal warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is one of the most common STIs in Australia. There are many different types of HPV. Some of them are sexually transmitted. Some can cause genital warts (often referred to as low risk HPV) while others are termed high risk as they can cause cervical cancer. The good news is that there is now a vaccine against some types of HPV.
Symptoms:
This virus can cause warts in the genital area. These are small, painless cauliflower-shaped or flat lumps on the skin that may be so small you cannot see or feel them.
In women, warts may appear on the vulva (lips of the vagina), in the vagina or on the cervix, or around the anus.
In men, warts may appear on the penis, in the pubic area, around the anus or on the testicles.
Many people have the virus and remain unaware of it because it can be on the skin even when there is no sign of warts at all. Women often only discover the infection when they get the results of a Pap test.
How is it spread?:
Usually through genital to genital direct skin contact. Spread by oral sex is rare.
Treatment:
Visible genital warts can be treated using various methods; freezing, chemical paint or cream are the most common.
Removal of warts does not mean that the virus has been eliminated. The virus can remain on the skin even where no warts can be seen.
Prevention:
A vaccine is now available in Australia that protects against two types of HPV that are most commonly linked to cervical cancer. These are called HPV types 16 and 18. The vaccine is given as a series of three injections over a six-month period.
Condoms for vaginal, anal and oral sex (penis in mouth) will lower the risk of spreading genital warts but they cannot totally prevent infection during intimate sexual contact because some areas of skin are not covered by the condom.
Using dams for oral sex (tongue in vagina, tongue in anus) may be an option if they cover the warts.
Sexually active women should have regular Pap tests every two years to detect any wart virus on the cervix as there is a link between some wart viruses and cervical cell changes and cancer.
(Sourced from Sexually Transmissble Infections: Treatment is good/prevention is best, DHS 2003)