HPV & Genital Warts

What You Should Know ~ What You Can Do

What is HPV?

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the virus that causes warts. There are many types of HPV. Some of these types are sexually transmitted and infect the genital area.

Do I Really Need to Worry About Getting a Genital HPV Infection?

As many as one in five American adults has a genital HPV infection. Some never know it because their body's immune system is strong enough to prevent warts from forming. But they still have HPV, and they can still pass it to a sex partner.

HPV spreads by skin-to-skin contact. So, while using a condom is always important, condoms may not always cover an area infected with HPV.

How Would I Know If I Had a Genital HPV Infection?

HPV can take months, or even years, to become visible. That's because the microscopic virus has to multiply and grow before it can be seen.

Some types of genital HPV can appear as warts or odd-shaped cells of the vagina, cervix, anus, or urethra. These infections usually show up as abnormal Pap smears in women. (That's why it's so important for women to get checkups and Pap smears regularly.) Other types of HPV may form genital warts on the penis or outside the vagina or anus.

What Do Genital Warts Look Like?

Genital warts can be soft, pink-to-flesh colored, and have a cauliflower-like appearance. They can also be tiny, microscopic bumps or slightly raised, discolored areas. There may be one wart or many. Although they may be painless, some may itch or burn, and some people may have bleeding. Because genital warts can vary so much in appearance, only a health care professional can diagnose genital warts.

Do Genital Warts Really Need to be Treated?

Some genital warts do away on their own. That's because the body was able to fight the virus without any help.

Most people, though, need some help in getting rid of the warts. Untreated warts may stay the same, grow larger, or multiply. And the longer you have them, the harder they are to treat. So, it's important to have genital warts treated as soon as possible.

How Are Genital Warts Treated?

Until now, most traditional treatments took place in the doctor's office. Some health care providers physically remove the warts in the office. They may burn the warts off with acid, freeze them off, or surgically remove them. Some us a chemical to kill the wart cells. Others inject medication into the warts.

Of course, removing the warts doesn't kill the virus. Once the warts are removed, some may come back. So, it's important to watch the area for the first few months after the warts are removed so that new warts can be treated right away.

If You Think You May Have Genital Warts, See Your Doctor.

Although some genital warts go away on their own, many won't.

This information has been provided by 3M Pharmaceuticals, St. Paul, MN.