Genital warts are caused by genital Human papilloma virus infection. Genital warts are also known as venereal warts. It is caused by virus called human papilloma virus. This is a family of around 40 HPV viruses that has many strains and types causing several sexually transmitted diseases. These viruses have been identified as a cause of cervix and certain other cancers. HPV viruses have been categorized as low risk or high risk virus. Low risk viruses are warts causing and high risk are cancer causing viruses. HPV-6 and HPV-11 are the most common ones found in low risk category. HPV genital warts causing viruses are transmitted through intimate sexual contact, intercourse and oral or anal sex. HPV virus can remain latent for years just like human immunodeficiency virus hence the infected person might not be even aware that he or she is infected. Genital warts occur in single or clusters as groups of bumps in external genitals and mouth, throat and internally as well. They can occur on vulva, scrotum, penis, vagina, anus, groin, thighs and cervix.
Diagnosis of genital warts is very important and requires complete visual inspection followed by biopsy. There is no HPV test that can help in identifying if the person is infected by this virus. There is a HPV test and pap screening available now in the market only for diagnosis of cervical cancer. Acetic acid or vinegar is used at times by medical experts to diagnose flat warts. Treatment of HPV genital warts includes use of several anti mitotic drugs like podophyllin, 5-flourouracil, TCA, BCA, podofilox and imiquimod. There are several surgical procedures available to get rid of them completely like cryosurgery, electrocautery, normal surgery and carbon dioxide laser therapy. There are formulations of vaccines for females specifically to provide protection against four strains of HPV that cause genital warts and cervical cancers. Pap smear test has been proved to be useful for females. To avoid spread of HPV virus, condoms are a suggested way as they minimize the risk of HPV infection but as they cannot cover the entire infected area they are not fully protected.
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