Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a type of sexually transmitted disease. While HPV has more than 40 different strains, only four are of high interest because of the effect they have on females. Men, on the other hand, are carriers of HPV and only display some of the symptoms. High-risk HPV, which are strains 16 and 18, cause cervical cancer in 70 percent of exposed women. Low-risk HPV, which are strains 6 and 11, cause genital warts in 90 percent of people who are exposed to it.
Appearance
Genital warts caused by HPV look like small bumps of the skin, though some genital warts may be larger. The shape of the warts can be raised or flat against the skin. The genital warts may appear by themselves or in groups. Some of the warts may also be cauliflower shaped.
Location
Warts caused by HPV form around the genital area because this is the area of the body where most people come in contact with the virus. In women, genital warts appear on the vulva, inside or around the vagina, in or around the anus and on the cervix. In men, HPV genital warts appear in and around the anus, on the penis, on the scrotum and around the groin area. HPV genital warts can also form on a person's thigh.
Time Frame
After a person comes in contact with HPV, the genital warts can appear within a few weeks or up to months. The warts can reappear at different times after infection.
Treatment
Medication to control outbreaks of genital warts are available, but medication cannot be used to cure HPV genital warts. If left untreated, the genital warts may go away, remain unchanged or increase in either size or number. However, it is possible to prevent HPV genital warts through the vaccine Gardasil, which protects women from the four threatening types of HPV. However, the vaccine is not available for men or women older than 26.
