4 Myths About Genital Warts and the Facts

Genital warts are a problem which affects hundreds of thousands of people world wide. Its a very sensitive subject to discuss and for that reason a lack of vital information makes the proliferation worse. Here I will attempt to dispel some of the more common misconceptions regarding genital warts.

For those that suffer from genital warts the pain and embarrassment can be overwhelming. The cause of genital warts is simple. The warts are caused by a bacterium known as HPV, or human papilloma virus. The virus is generally contacted through sexual contact with another person who is infected AND is undergoing and active period with their infection. There are several misconceptions about the virus, its causes, treatments and spread ability. below is a listing of the most common myths and the facts associated with each. These are being presented in the hope that through the spreading of knowledge

Myth #1 Women are the Only Ones that are Prone to Develop HPV Infection and are More Likely to Develop Genital Warts.

HPV infection can occur regardless of gender and is prevalent all around the globe. Both men and women can easily become infected if they are sexually active and infection can occur as easily as a single encounter with a communicable person. Woman have been shown to be more susceptible to infection and have visible signs such as the warts but men may be at a higher risk of spreading the infection due to a lack of visible signs being present.

Myth #2 Only a person who engages in Unsafe Sex Can get Genital Warts.

Genital warts are primarily transmitted via unprotected sex however, the virus can also be transmitted via skin contact only. The virus is also able to survive off of the skin for a short period of time so the sharing of sexual toys or penetration of a second partner with a contaminated condom can spread the virus.

Myth #3 A Condom is All that You Need to Protect Yourself From Genital Warts.

Condoms can be effective to a point in the prevention of HPV infection but they are not 100 effective as they do not cover, usually the entire genital area. Condoms can prevent the spreading due to contaminated semen but do nothing to prevent the skin contact communication.

Myth #4 If You Can t See Any Warts that Means that you are Not Infected.

HPV infection can be present even without any signs of symptoms. Not all infected persons will develop genital warts, and the warts do not always appear on the exterior genital area. Especially in women the warts may appear only inside the vagina. The urethra and anus are also capable of hosting genital warts on their interior.

I hope this information has been helpful to you in gaining a better understanding of genital warts. Together we can all help stop the spread of HPV and genital warts. Knowledge is the key effective prevention of the serious medical condition which affects so many people world wide every year. Share the knowledge you have learned here and help to stop it.