Anal warts and genital warts are caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus. Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affecting as many as 50 percent of sexually active people.
HPV
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that there are over 40 different types of human papillomavirus, and only some types cause genital and anal warts. Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and abnormal vaginal cells. HPV may also cause anal, penile and vulvar cancer.
Transmission
HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. The most common way for people to get HPV is by having oral, vaginal or anal sex with a person who has the virus. It is possible to have the type of HPV that causes genital and anal warts and not have these warts, as the virus can lay dormant for extended periods. It is also possible for a person to have warts inside the anus, vagina and penis, where a partner does not easily see them.
Identification
FamilyDoctor.org explains that genital and anal warts often appear as flat, small, flesh-colored bumps or as tiny cauliflower-like bumps. Genital warts may occur in clusters or alone. Anal warts may develop on the outer area of the anus as well as on the interior of the anus.
Testing
A pap test helps detect abnormal changes in cervical cells in women. The most common cause of an abnormal pap smear is HPV, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. During a woman's annual exam, the gynecologist will often examine the genitals and anus for any signs of warts or lesions associated with HPV or the herpes virus. As of 2010, there is no test designed to detect HPV in men. Physicians can often diagnose anal warts simply by looking at them, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Prevention
FamilyDoctor.org warns that the only way to prevent HPV is to avoid sexual contact. However, a vaccination is available to men and women that helps protect against certain types of HPV. The vaccination Gardasil protects both men and women against most types of HPV that cause anal and genital warts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
