genital warts

Definition

Or: condyloma / condylomata acuminata / papovavirus warts / venereal warts , one of the most common sexually transmitted disease caused by human papilloma virus. HPV is spread by direct contact with the warts or an infected area during unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex; it can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during birth. SYMPTOMS: Symptoms are likely to appear 1 to 9 months after exposure. Flat, smooth, bumpy, or round warts in the mouth, around the genitals or the anus (either internal or external) which can be invisible to the naked eye. If left untreated, they can spread and develop a cauliflower-like appearance. Although 15% of those infected show no signs, they may have flat lesions or warts inside the urethra or rectum, and may still be infectious to others. TREATMENT: There is treatment for the genital warts but no cure for the virus. Warts can be removed by laser, freezing (cryosurgery; the warts are frozen off with liquid nitrogen), medicated acid solutions (Podophyllin, Trichloracetis Acid (TCA), Condyline), or surgery.