Female genital warts (also known as condylomata acuminata) are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) which is the most common sexually transmitted disease among women. HPV is highly contagious bu,t although it has many different strains, only a few are dangerous. This is why you should get yourself checked out as soon as you think you have contracted the virus as some strains can lead onto the development of cervical cancer.

Causes

Genital warts seem to be most frequent among young women in their twenties. HPV can be easily spread between sexual partners through skin to skin contact especially when there is any slight cut or lesion on the skin and studies show that up to 65% of women with infected partners will become infected themselves. You may not realize you have contracted the virus for a few months as the incubation period varies from weeks to months and sometimes even years following infection.

Occasionally, the virus may be transferred between adults through indirect means such as a dirty towel or an unclean toilet seat but these are quite rare events. Babies have occasionally been known to suffer from it in their respiratory tracts following delivery from an infected mother but it must be stressed this is not a common event. Even so, in the light of this – if you have genital warts and are pregnant, it may be a good idea to get them sorted out immediately.

Symptoms

The papilloma virus sometimes goes unnoticed with the infected person never realizing that they actually have it but when it does manifest itself, then both men and women will see the formation of genital warts. As you may expect, these can be rough cauliflower type lesions (pretty much like a wart you can get on a finger) but they can also be flat or on single stalks. Their color can vary from whitish gray to pinkish red and external warts are liable to feel itchy. On females they grow on the vulva, the vagina, on the anus and even inside the anus and uterus.

Internal warts may be more inconvenient as these can create pain and bleeding from the vagina and can make intercourse uncomfortable or even painful.

The only guaranteed way to prevent the onset of genital warts is to abstain from sex altogether but, inevitably for many, celibacy is an unfeasible option. The next best way is to keep your sexual activity to one trusted partner whom you know is free from any infection. Safe sex and the use of condoms can help in reducing the amount of skin to skin contact but even so areas of skin touch other infected regions and the risk of contagion is still present.

If you suspect a case of genital warts, a doctor can ascertain the truth with a simple test even if you have no external visible warts. Once diagnosed, there are many ways you can treat them even though there is no known medical cure for the virus itself.

© Megan Jackson

Megan is a teacher who likes to help people with genital warts issues. She is also a platinum-level expert author on EzineArticles.com which is the world’s largest article directory. Megan recommends using natural and homeopathic approaches such as Wartrol. For a special discount, just click here.