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- $Unique_ID{BRK01549}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Are Genital Warts the Same as the Warts on Your Finger?}
- $Subject{warts genital Infections Genitourinary lifestyle lifestyles
- sexual disease virus wart viruses viral itch itches itching irritation
- bleeding infected sexually transmitted diseases std venereal vd cervical
- cancerous skin Infection genitals verruca verrucose verrucous condylomata
- condyloma acuminata acuminatum}
- $Volume{A-20, J-23}
- $Log{
- Sexually Transmitted Disease: Venereal Warts*0006403.scf
- Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Are Genital Warts the Same as the Warts on Your Finger?
-
-
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-
- QUESTION: I have discovered a problem in my genital area, and believe it may
- be a case of warts. Are these the same as the warts on your finger, and can
- they be treated? Some say that this is a sexual disease; is that true? I
- appreciate any help you can offer me for this problem.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: Genital warts could be your problem, as they are becoming more and
- more common in the United States, although they are treatable.
- The warts are caused by a different type of virus than the kind of wart
- that occurs on the hand or foot. The genital wart virus may be passed on
- during any kind of sexual contact, although there is some new evidence that
- other routes of infection are also possible. Once you are infected with the
- virus, it may take as long as three months or more before the wart appears.
- When the warts occur, they may cause itching, irritation or bleeding in
- and around the genital area. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms at
- all. On the outer genitals, the warts are often firm and are dark pink or
- red. They may be as tiny as a pencil tip, or may be in clusters, looking like
- tiny cauliflowers.
- They may be hard to notice, if they are tiny. Therefore, it is very
- important that you see a doctor as soon as you suspect that you may be
- infected. Young people with contact with more than one sexual partner
- contract this sexually transmitted disease more frequently.
- If your doctor does determine that you do have the warts, it is important
- that all of your sexual partners be notified, so that they can get treatment.
- And treatment is important for you, too. Untreated, the warts can change the
- cervical tissue, and can eventually become cancerous. While you are under
- treatment, it is important that you do not have sexual activity. The warts
- must be completely gone before you will no longer be contagious to others.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-