Genital Warts Lifespan

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Treatment is available that reduces the discomfort of a breakout. However, there is no cure for genital warts. Individuals who contract genital warts carry the virus the rest of their life.

Features

Genital warts are highly contagious. According to epigee.org, the virus that causes genital warts is "transferred from one person to another through sexual contact."

Appearance

Genital warts look similar to a common hand wart. Their size ranges from small to large. According to the Mayo Clinic, "They may look like small, flesh-colored bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance."

Treatments

Treatment for genital warts begins after a breakout occurs. Treatment methods vary from topical creams to surgical removal. Podofilox and imiquimod, both topical creams, are the preferred treatment.

Prevention

The Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine to aid in the prevention of HPV. According to Dr. Koutsky, the vaccine targets four strains of HPV: "HPV 16 and HPV 18, which cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers, and HPV 6 and 11 that cause 80 to 90 percent of genital warts."

Considerations

Breakouts are recurrent, and their frequency is variable among sufferers.

Warning

Genital warts can be passed to others even if the sufferer is not experiencing a current breakout.

References

• epigee.org: Sexually Transmitted Disease
• Genital Warts: Definition
• The HPV Vaccine: Health Breakthroughs for Girls and Young Women