A Guide to treating Genital Warts

Genital warts is a health subject that those who are (or who are about to become) sexually active should be familiar with. Genital warts are caused by certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that can be contracted by direct genital contact such as vaginal and/or anal sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that at least 50% of sexually active people will get genital HPV.

The types of HPV that are associated with the visible skin changes known as genital warts fall into the low risk category. This means that genital warts do not put a person at increased risk for cancer. Genital warts are visible growths or bumps that can be raised or flat, small or large, and singular or multiple in number. External warts can be found on the penis, vulva, scrotum, and surrounding skin tissues. Internal warts can be found on the cervix, vagina, urethra, and anus. Often genital warts go unnoticed, but they can be painful, itchy, and bleed easily.