WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Genital warts grow on or around your sex organs. They are
seen most often in young adults. In the United States, warts
are one of the most common sexually transmitted
diseases.
Causes
The warts are caused by the human
papilloma (PAP-ih-LOW-muh) virus (HPV). This virus is spread by
vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Signs/Symptoms
You'll notice one or more
warts--small, soft bumps that can be pink, red, white, or
brown. In men, they appear in or around the opening of the
penis or around the rectum. Women may develop them inside the
vagina, rectum, or the urinary canal. They may also appear in
the genital area (between the legs). Left untreated, the warts
may spread and grow.
Care
The doctor may give you a
medicine to remove the warts. They can also be removed by
freezing, burning, or cutting. Since HPV can cause cancer, it's
important to get rid of the infection completely. If you are
pregnant (or think you might be), tell the
doctor.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
It is important that you follow your doctor's
instructions carefully. The warts will not go away without
repeated treatment.
-
Do NOT try to treat the warts with medicine used for
hand warts. This type of medicine is very strong and can
burn the skin in the genital area.
-
Tell all sexual partners with whom you had sex before
treatment that you have genital warts. They also may be
infected and need treatment.
-
Do not have sex while you are being treated for
warts. After that, use of a latex condom during sex will
help protect both of you from possible
re-infection.
-
Do not touch or scratch the warts; you could spread
them to other parts of your body.
-
Women with genital warts should have a cervical
cancer check (Pap smear) at least once a year. This type of
cancer is slow-growing and can be cured if found
early.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
The treated skin becomes red, swollen, or
painful.
-
You have a high temperature.
-
You feel generally ill.
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