Genital warts, which are also known as venereal warts, come from the various types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small cauliflower-shaped bumps that are usually flesh-colored. They often grow as tiny as 2 millimeters in diameter, but they may develop into many clusters and expand into larger masses in the genital area. In women, these genital warts may be found in the internal and external areas of the vagina, cervix, uterus, and in the region of the anus. When present in men, genital warts are usually found on the penis tip. They may also manifest on the shaft of the penis, scrotum, and in the area near the anus. Moreover, genital warts may also develop in the mouth and throat areas of persons who have engaged in oral sex with an infected partner.
Even though the chances of the skin condition occurring in both women and men are equal, the symptoms may not be as obvious in men as they are in women. The reason for this is that the anatomy of females provides a better breeding ground for HPV to live in and thrive. Males, on the other hand, may not show any physical presence of genital warts, but they can be carriers of HPV once they get exposed to it.
1. Physical Contact
Genital warts are a highly contagious disease that may be passed on to other people through several means. The first way through which it can be transmitted is through intimate physical contact with an infected partner. During sexual intercourse, HPV is able to enter an individual's skin and mucosal surfaces through the tiny abrasions that form in the genital area. Once the cells in the genital area are invaded by HPV, there may be a latency or incubation phase that would last for a few weeks to several years. This just means that the HPV is just undergoing a rest period.
It does not mean that having sexual intercourse with a person whose HPV is in incubation, meaning whose genital warts are not visible, will automatically save you from becoming infected with HPV. In fact, the virus can remain dormant from 3 to 24 months without showing any symptom. This makes it very hard to track down the source of genital warts and also increases the number of HPV carriers. Thus, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is recommended. One should adhere to safe sexual practices so that the exposure to HPV would be minimized.
2. Childbirth
Another way by which genital warts can be passed on is through childbirth. HPV may get transmitted to the baby when he/she passes through an infected birth canal. The baby may then develop laryngeal papillomatosis or warts that form in the mouth and throat area.
3. Direct Contact with Objects
Finally, genital warts may also get transmitted through direct contact with objects that have gotten exposed to HPV. For instance, medical equipment that has been used on a contaminated person may infect another person. Genital warts may be transmitted through several ways and by avoiding these ways through a healthy lifestyle, the incidence of contracting them may be reduced.
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