Genital Warts / HPV
What are Genital Warts / HPV?
Genital Warts, or Condylomata Acuminata, are sexually transmitted infections characterised by single/multiple fleshy growths on the anogenital skin. They are caused by human papillomaviruses, of which more than 100 types are known. Genital Warts are mostly caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
Genital Warts can occur on the cervix, vagina and vulva in females, and on the penis and urethra (urinary canal) in males. They may also occur around the anus and in the anal canal in both males and females.
Warts on other sites like hands, fingers and feet are not sexually transmitted and are caused by varieties of HPV different from those causing genital warts.
Genital Warts are spread by unprotected sexual intercourse and intimate skin-to-skin contact with an infected partner. Autotransmisstion from hands and fingers to anogenital region is also possible.