Seattle Genital Warts: Visible Signs Of Human Papillomavirus’ Transmision

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Genital warts are one of the most common infections that can be caught from sexual activity (sexually transmitted infections - STIs). They are caused by viruses called human papillomaviruses (HPV). Genital warts and HPV infection are transmitted primarily by sexual intimacy, and the risk of infection increases as the number of sexual partners increase. Genital warts may be as small as 1 millimeter in diameter - smaller than the width of a ballpoint pen refill - or may multiply into large clusters. STD Testing Centers Seattle

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV for short. HPV is one of the most commonly sexually transmitted diseases, and if left untreated, it can be very serious. It can cause cervical cancer in women later in life. Both men and women can catch it, and it can go dormant, but, the virus still could be living in the body. This is what makes it so easily transmitted, because you might not have any signs, but, it can still be passed on.

Genital warts may resolve without treatment in immunocompetent patients but may persist and spread in patients with decreased cell-mediated immunity (eg, due to pregnancy, HIV infection). Genital warts typically present as flesh-colored, exophytic lesions on the external genitalia, including the penis, vulva, scrotum, perineum, and perianal skin. External warts can appear as small bumps, or they may be flat, verrucous, or pedunculated.

Genital warts are the only visible sign of HPV infection, but they may not appear for weeks, months or even years after infection occurs, if they appear at all. Women are more likely than men to develop warts, and they can grow on the lips of the vulva, around the clitoris, inside the vagina, around the urethra, on the cervix, on the area between the vagina and the anus (perianal region), and in and around the anus itself.

When symptoms are present they can be very severe and can include abdominal pain and fever. Symptoms of rectal infection include discharge, itching, and painful bowel movements with blood on the feces. Symptomatic women usually have a vaginal discharge and a recurring minor infection. Men usually exhibit symptoms.
Symptoms are likely to develop within two to ten days of exposure, but up to 10% of men with urethral gonorrhea (gonorrhea in the penis) will show no symptoms. And, even more unsettling is the fact that the majority of men with infection of the anus or throat will present with no symptoms. Symptoms in men, if they occur, include pus or milky discharge from the penis, inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), or of the rectal area (proctitis). Both males and females can experience painful or frequent urination.

Treatment for genital warts includes surgery and medicines. Surgery is to remove the appearance of genital warts by physical methods. Treatment is administered by applying the cream twice a day for a length of time determined by a medical professional based on the severity and size of the warts. Treatment of genital warts range from surgery to topical over the counter treatment for genital warts. There is a procedure called electrocautery which involves applying an acid to the affected areas to burn off the growths.















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