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Human Papilloma Virus (hpv) is the virus responsible for
causing genital warts, a sexually transmitted infection.
HPV can be transmitted through vaginal, oral and anal sex.
Rarely, hpv can be spread by indirect contact, for example, using a
towel after someone who is infected.
Around half (50%) of people who have genital warts are unaware that
they do, often because the site of infection is deep within the vagina,
urethra or rectum and is self contained.
Some strains of the hpv virus are strongly associated with certain types
of cancer.
Although incurable, there are various treatment and management options
available such as self-administered solutions, freezing, surgery or
laser removal; to help manage the condition.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a group of more than 70 viruses which
cause infection in the human body.
HPV is the virus responsible for causing genital warts. Of this virus
group of more than 70 types, human papilloma virus types 6, 11,
16, 18, 31 and 35 are sexually transmitted.
The strains of hpv most commonly involved in sexually transmitted infection
are types 6 and 11.
HPV virus types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 are significantly associated with
cervical and rectal cancer.
Of the small percentage of people who go on to develop cancer, progression
can take anywhere between 5 and 30 years.
HPV (Genital warts) do not appear until several weeks after infection,
typically between 1 - 4 months before they become visible, although
it can take up to a year before any warts develop.
Generally painless unless irritated by contact, hpv can produce soft,
flat and irregularly shaped genital warts or they may develop into cauliflower-shaped
clusters with an unsightly cosmetic appearance.
Hpv warts may be variable in color: red, pink, off-white or gray.
Some hpv genital warts are almost undetectable, particularly if they
are very flat and very slow growing.
Human papilloma virus - hpv (genital warts) can grow and develop on,
or in, several areas of the body:
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on the penis
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inside the penis in the urethra
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inside the vagina
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on the lips of the vulva
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on or around the anus
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inside the rectum
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on the scrotum
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in the mouth
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in the throat
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on the tongue
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Genital warts (hpv) are most effectively treated when they are small
and few in number.
Topical solutions the patient may apply themselves include podofilox
0.5% solution, podophyllum and trichloroacetic acid 80 - 90%.
Other forms of treatment for hpv, depending on the location of the warts
and under local anesthetic are:
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cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
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electrocautery (burning)
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laser removal (burning)
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surgical excision (surgery)
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An infection of genital warts may have significant future implications
for some individuals.
In particular, anyone who has experienced vaginal or anal hpv infection
should be aware of the possible future risk of cancerous growth development.
This means regular Pap-smear testing for women who have developed either
a vaginal or anal infection, and also for men who have acquired an anal
hpv infection.
Some strains of the human papilloma virus (types 16, 18, 31, 33 and
35) are significantly associated with the development of cervical and
rectal cancers.
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Women who are pregnant may pass on the hpv
virus to their baby.
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Women who are pregnant should not use podofilox
or podophyllum.
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Women who have, or have had, genital warts
(hpv), should seek regular Pap-smear testing.
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Men (or women) who have, or have had, anogenital
warts (hpv) infection, should seek regular Pap-smear testing.
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Some strains of hpv, which causes genital
warts, are significantly associated with certain forms of cancer.
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A sudden, strong eruption of genital warts
may indicate a compromised immune system. Anyone affected should consult
their physician immediately.
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Genital warts (hpv), regardless of where
they erupt, may ulcerate or become infected.
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Infection of certain areas such as the urethra,
anus, rectum or the mouth and throat areas may cause extreme irritation
and discomfort.
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