Asian Fever

Genital warts (HPV)

Health Nurse

Supporting Member
Nov 24, 2004
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Genital warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI). It is estimated that 75% of Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime, but it is common not to notice symptoms. Usually HPV is not harmful to your health but some types of HPV can cause cancer.

There are about 80-100 types of HPV. Approximately 30 types are sexually transmitted and are found on the genital/anal area. HPV is site specific, meaning a wart on the hand or foot will not be passed to the genital area, and vice versa.

• HPV is almost always passed skin to skin through sexual contact.
• Warts may appear within a few weeks to several months, or longer, after contact. Therefore it is difficult to determine when you became infected.
• The types of HPV that cause visible warts are not usually the types that cause cancer.
• Reappearance of genital warts is common after treatment and that does not mean you have been re-infected.
• Condoms used the right way from start to finish, each time you have sex may provide some protection.
• Treatment for genital warts is offered for cosmetic reasons, as most people prefer to have the warts removed.
• There is a range of treatment options which can either be done by your health care provider or yourself (do not use over the counter wart treatments)
• The likelihood of spreading HPV to future partners, and how long you are infectious after treatment are unknown.
• HPV does eventually clear the system, although the exact time frame is unknown. Research does suggest the virus clears the body after approx 18 months.
• All women should have routine PAP tests. This is a test that detects early changes to cells on the cervix which can lead to cancer.

Here is a good site if you want to read more about HPV.

http://www.ashastd.org/hpv/hpv_learn.cfm


Comments or feedback are welcome.



HN
www.stdresource.com
 
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