Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are common viruses that can cause warts. Genital warts are the most easily recognized sign of genital HPV infection. Genital warts are soft, moist, or flesh colored and appear in the genital area within weeks or months after infection. They sometimes appear in clusters that resemble cauliflower-like bumps, and are either raised or flat, small or large. Genital warts can show up in women on the vulva and cervix, and inside and surrounding the vagina and anus. in men, genital warts can appear on the scrotum or penis, and around anus. These are usually small but can get very big in size if left untreated.

Cause

There are over 100 types of HPV but approximately 30 causes the infections human.

Transmission

HPV can be transmitted during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. it is very contagious and can also spread by skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.

Symptoms

in women, genital warts occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the opening to the uterus (cervix), or around the anus.

in men, genital warts are less common. if present, they usually are seen on the tip of the penis. They also may be found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus.

Rarely, genital warts also can develop in your mouth or throat if you have oral sex with an infected person.

Several person do not develop any sings of infections but they still carry the virus and can cause the infection to an uninfected person.

Diagnosis

Genital warts are usually diagnosed by clinical examination. This exam can be done by a physician or a trained nurse. Usually there is not need for a test but a person with latent infection without any external signs of disease can be tested by HPV DNA test.

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