1. High- and Low-Risk HPV
You may contract genital warts from contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 different types of HPV, but only 20 to 30 types spread through sexual contact and cause genital warts. HPV can be categorized as high-risk and low-risk. You can contract it through sexual contact, oral sex and mother-to-child transmission. You can prevent HPV associated with genital warts by taking sexual precautions, such as using condoms. Other forms of HPV that can cause warts can be prevented by washing and drying your hands effectively.
2. Genital Warts and Cervical Cancer
High-risk genital warts are typically linked to cervical cancer, but if you have them, you won't develop external warts on the genital area. Low-risk genital warts are not typically linked to cervical cancer, but they do cause raised warts on the genital area. Many sexually active adults contract HPV, but most do not develop external genital warts.
3. Prevent and Treat HPV and Genital Warts
Take a proactive approach to preventing cervical cancer. For women, yearly pap smears and HPV testing can detect early abnormal cell growth and prevent cervical cancer. HPV and an abnormal pap smear are two risk factors for cervical cancer. Although HPV cannot be cured or reversed, abnormal cell development can be effectively treated with cryotherapy or minor surgery. For men, yearly physical examinations can prevent genital cancer as well. If you have already contracted genital warts and are interested in getting pregnant, genital warts can enlarge during pregnancy and make urinating difficult. They may also obstruct delivery. In very rare cases, infants born to women with genital warts may develop warts in their throats, which can be life threatening.
