When men discover that they have become infected
with penis warts, they are naturally worried and upset
and start to wonder if they will ever be able to enjoy
a sex life again. These warts of the penis are caused
by a group of viruses called HPV (short for human
papillomavirus). There are over one hundred strains
of this HPV of which some thirty types can cause genital
warts including penis
warts. These warts appear as bumps or growths
and can be flat or have a rough cauliflower-like texture.
They are very contagious. As penis warts are not always
easy to see with the naked eye, a person suffering
from them will not always even know that they are
there.
These HPV infections are very common in teens and young
adults and the more sexual partners someone has, the
more likely they are to contract penis warts. Unfortunately,
there are often no signs or symptoms of the infection
and so someone can be infected and pass on the disease
without being aware that they have done so. However,
some people do get visible penis warts. If they appear,
they usually do so approximately two to three months
after contracting the virus and they will be on the
shaft or head of the penis. Sometimes penis warts
are not even painful or itchy which is another reason
why many of those men infected are not aware of their
presence. Other times there will be pain, itching
and a burning sensation.
If you are already having sex or about to embark on a sexual relationship, it is important to be aware that genital warts (including penis warts) are the most common sexually transmitted disease. You can catch this virus or pass it on to other partners by vaginal or anal sex, intimate body contact and sharing sex toys. Therefore it is wise to know your status and a visit to your doctor or a STD clinic is strongly recommended for a painless but perhaps uncomfortable examination and tests. If it is found that you do have a HPV infection, your doctor or clinic will give you advice and suggest a course of treatment. Even when the penis warts disappear you must remember that the HPV virus is still there, though it may not spread so easily
As far as enjoying a sex life is concerned, it is best to wait until the penis warts have been treated and have cleared up. Try to limit the number of sex partners you have. Ask your partner if he or she has an HPV infection. You can lower the risk by only having sex with someone who is not having sex with anyone else. Before you have sex, talk openly to your partner about how to protect yourselves. A male latex condom which covers the whole penis can provide protection from penis warts in particular if used correctly every time you have sex. Become familiar with how to used condoms and always have a supply available. Unfortunately condoms are not 100% safe and the only way you can be absolutely sure of not catching or passing on any of the sexually transmitted diseases is by abstaining from sex altogether.
Resources
• www.familydoctor.org
• www.kidshealth.org
• www.bbc.co.uk
