By Samual Richardson
Are you sexually active or are you the parent of a sexually active teenager. As much as we would all like to believe that we, as well as our children, are practicing safe sex, it isn't always happening. Instead of ignoring the problem, it is important to face it head on, with the right information. That is why it is important that individuals, of all ages, understand the dangers that surround sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially genital warts.
With all of the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that exist, you may be wondering why all of the focus on genital warts. Whether you are reading this article, another article online, listening to your radio, or watching television, there is a good chance that you have heard genital warts mentioned before. There is a reason for that. Genital warts are not only a sexually transmitted disease, but it is one that can easily spread from person to person, even with protected sex.
One of the reasons why genital warts can be transmitted so easily is because the warts are like regular warts. They are often raised and in the shape of a cauliflower, often a fairly decent sized one. Essentially, this means that an individual with genital warts can easily spread their warts to another individual, with a small amount of close contact. That close contact, in most cases, includes intercourse. While condoms can be effective at reducing the spread of genital warts, they aren't always effective. This is because warts may appear all over the genital area; a part of the area which a condom may not protect.
Another one of the many reasons why genital warts is so dangerous is because many people do not know that they have them. This is because not everyone displays the symptoms of genital warts. You may be wondering how this is possible with the above mentioned explanation of warts, but it is possible. There are some individuals who, as mentioned above, develop warts all around their genital area, including the anus area. Despite the fact that many display symptoms, not everyone does. Not displaying the signs and symptoms of genital warts does not necessarily mean that you do not have the sexually transmitted disease (STD). That is why it is extremely important that you get tested for it, at least once a year.
It is also important that you get tested for genital warts because other complications may arise. Genital warts are most commonly caused by HPV. HPV is the human papilloma virus. Unfortunately, HVP has been connected to cervical cancer. However, if genital warts are detected and treatment is offered early, the risk of cervical cancer may decrease, in fact, it may be minimal. Essentially, this means that if you are a sexually active female, you are advised to undergoing testing for all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but particularly genital warts. Although females are advised to undergo testing, due to their increased risk of cervical cancer, men are also encouraged to undergo testing.
If you are diagnosed with genital warts, it is likely that your healthcare provider will provide you with a number of treatment options. These treatment options most commonly include medications. It is also likely that you will be advised to limit your sexual activity. If you do participate in sexual activity, including intercourse, you are advised to proceed with caution. It is also extremely important that you inform your partner of your genital wart status. Although it may be embarrassing to discuss genital warts before sex, it is important that you do. Knowingly putting your sexual partner at risk for developing this uncomfortable and potentially harmful disease is not only wrong, it is immoral.
As previously mentioned, if your healthcare provider diagnoses you with having genital warts, you will likely be placed on medications. If you are given medication, it is advised that you take it. Whether your warts are removed right away or they disappear overtime, with medication, it is important that you follow any of the instructions given to you. While you may always have to take additional precautions, when engaging is sexual activity, you should be able to lead a normal, happy, and healthy life, with treatment.
About the Author: Samual Richardson is an expert on genital warts and other STDs. He is also a contributor to http://www.Healthline.com.
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