Understanding The Genital Wart Virus
The genital wart virus is correctly called the human papillomavirus or HPV. This genital wart virus is the most common cause of sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. It is believed that as much as 24 million people in the United States are infected with the genital wart virus and the incidence appears to be on the rise. Scientists have so far identified over sixty types of the genital wart virus. Some forms of the virus will cause the common skin warts instead of genital warts.
About one third of the genital wart virus types are spread through sexual contact. Some types of HPV can lead to genital warts which is the most recognizable sign of an HPV infection. Some forms of the genital wart virus have also been associated with the development of cervical cancer as well as other genital cancers.
See also:
... cauliflower looking bumps on or around the penis or vagina. They can also be found around the anus in some individuals. These bumps are not only unsightly, but they can also cause great mental trauma in those that have them. That’s because they fear about other sexual partners finding out about them. Unlike other sexually transmitted diseases that are otherwise invisible, warts are hard to hide. There is hope, however, because they can be treated. Doctors have had success freezing them off with liquid nitrogen. This can lead to scarring but it can get rid of the genital warts ...
Genital Warts Are Not Fun - Prevention Is Key
Diagnosis
See also:If you think you have genital warts then you should see your doctor so that they can rule out or treat similar looking infections or conditions. Most of the time a doctor can diagnosis genital warts and the genital wart virus through a simple visual examination. If women have genital warts the doctor will likely also examine them for possible HPV infection of the cervix.
... and therefore require close medical attention to treat outbreaks. While many women with genital warts have uncomplicated pregnancies ...
Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy Complicate Genital Warts in Women
A pap smear test can indicate the possible presence of the genital wart virus. A pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells that are taken from the uterine cervix in order to detect cervical cancer. An abnormal pap smear test can indicate possible HPV infection. For women with abnormal pap smears a doctor will want to examine the woman further to detect and treat any cervical problems.
There are some new laboratory tests under development which can identify specific types of the genital wart virus. These test can soon help doctors to determine whether or not the infection will progress to the point of precancerous lesion or if it can be transmitted from a mother to her newborn baby during birth. These tests will make treatment quicker and easier in cases of genital warts.