Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and are spread by vaginal and oral sex with an infected person. Genital warts are caused by a virus called Human Papillomavirus(HPV) also known as condylomata acuminata. One survey reveals that genital warts affect about 5.5 million Americans each year.

It is important to say right up front that a person can have genital warts without showing any symptoms. This means that a person can be contagious without even knowing it. You would not want to spread a virus like this to a loved one, so be sure you know the first signs, and get yourself checked out every so often with a doctor.

Symptoms: Warts look like small bumps with a cauliflower-like appearance. They may be as small as two mm in diameter or may be multiply into a large cluster. In women, the warts may grow in the wall of vagina, between external genitals and the anus. In men, warts can be found on the tip or shaft of the penis.

Treatment: Genital warts can be prevented by avoiding sex with an infected person. Using condoms can protect you but not all the time because warts can grow in the unprotected area also. Different therapies are available for genital warts such as freezing with liquid nitrogen or using laser treatment but these are not permanent solutions. HPV remains dormant in the body and genital warts can reappear at anytime.

Those infected by genital warts should see their doctor to discuss treatment, side effects and cost.