Genital Warts - Are They Contagious?

Genital warts also known by their scientific name condylomata acuminata are a viral infection in and around the genitalia of both sexes. The warts are caused by the HPV or human papilloma virus, which can be transmitted through sexual contact. Genital warts look like small bumps, some can be very flat and others clustered in a group. The warts can vary in size from too small to see to larger warts which can cause pain. The warts vary in color ranging from pink, yellow, white and brown.

Genital warts can be found by a pap smear or a doctor's visit. A change in a woman’s cervix will tell a doctor if she may have contracted the warts. Genital warts can also be visually identified by someone or a physician. They are found in the cervix on and around the vaginal area and the area between the genital area and anal cavity.

Where do genital warts come from?

There are at least 80 different strains of the human papillomavirus, and about 30 of these strains cause warts to appear on the penis, anus and vagina. Some people have the HPV virus in their bodies and it may never surface as a genital wart infection, others have the warts outbreak in small bumps too small to notice. It is very important to use caution when engaging in sexual activity as a person may have warts and not inform or not even know they carry the virus. Condoms may not always protect you from contracting or transmitting genital warts.

How contagious are genital warts?

Genital warts are very contagious, it is estimated over 6 million people each year will contract the disease from engaging in sexual activity. The virus is contracted through touch to the genitals during intercourse or foreplay. The warts can still be contagious even using a condom as the scrotum and parts of the vagina are not protected. Since genital warts symptoms can show internally or externally, any people do not know they have the HPV virus and can spread it to other partners who again spread it. To remain safe it is important to get yearly exams at the doctor. Bathing areas after sexual contact can reduce the risk of contracting the STD.

Those who do have genital warts should see a doctor yearly to ensure that the warts do not become cancerous as well as pregnant women need to speak with a doctor as this can affect birth due to the fact warts are on the cervix which opens to the womb. If safe sex or abstinence is used then the risk of getting genital warts is lowered, it is estimated 80% of young to middle aged women will notice this disease sometime in their life. The risk is too high as it is, the more sexual partners a person has the risk will increase. Warts are a very contagious disease and not pleasant to live with.

References

* www.mayoclinic.com
* www.cdc.gov