Genital Warts and Transmission by Hands

One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in US and worldwide is the Genital warts infection. The disease is caused by strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infecting the genital tract.

Among women, the genital warts usually grow on the vulva, cervix, vagina walls, anus and in the areas surrounding it, or even on the skin between genitals. In men, this infection is visible on the penis, scrotum or areas around the anus.

HPV genital warts can cause cervical cancer. It was in the year 2006 that Gardasil was approved by the FDA. Gardasil is a vaccine that is proven to be effective in preventing genital warts caused by two of the four HPV strains. It was said that 90% of the genital warts are caused by these HPV strains. It should be noted that, the HPV vaccine is not considered a cure for the genital warts infection, but a precaution.

Genital warts are prevalent and difficult to diagnose because despite the manifestation of HPV infection, not everyone who is infected by the viral infection will develop genital warts.

The HPV virus can be present in a person's body from three months to three years and yet, there are no visible signs and symptoms of genital warts.

The infected person may not develop the genital warts but still, they are infected by this contagious disease. Some of the carriers of this disease get genital warts and some may never develop warts at all. This is commonly visible to those people who are pregnant, with hormonal changes or weak immunity system.

Like all STDs, genital warts maybe acquired through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual intercourse with a person who is a carrier. However, it can also be acquired by direct skin-to-skin contact. This is the reason why an infected mother can pass down the infection to her baby during childbirth because of the delivery process where the baby will pass through the birth canal.

There are ways to reduce the transmission of genital warts. Avoid touching, scratching or picking your warts to at least minimize the chance of spreading it. Isolate your personal belongings as much as possible because virus can easily be acquired through it. Personal belongings mostly include razors, combs, brushes, bed linen, towels and the like.

The moment you learn that you or your partner is infected by the virus, abstain from sexual intercourse since this is the leading means of transmission. Condoms do not guarantee a hundred percent protection against HPV genital warts because this does not cover the whole area that is infected. In addition, a condom does not prevent transmission from the scrotum to the genital area or anus.

Although genital warts can be treated, it is said that there is no permanent cure for this viral infection. For some having a strong immune system, they may overcome the virus but otherwise, infection would remain for life.

If you are infected by the virus and having genital warts or you have are living with people that you know is infected, do not forget that the virus could be transmitted through your hands. This disease is contagious and potentially dangerous so better to take all the precautions you can do to protect yourself or those people around you.