Viral STDs: Genital Warts, Herpes, AIDS
Viral sexually transmitted diseases are treatable, but do not yet have a cure.
Genital Warts / HPV
Genital warts are contracted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is infected with the virus. Symptoms of the virus can show up weeks to months after contact with HPV, the virus that causes genital warts.
Symptoms:
- At onset: small, bumpy warts on the sex organs and/or on the anus
- Itching and/or burning around the penis, vagina, testicles, and/or anus
When the warts go away, the virus sometimes stays in the body. The warts can recur regularly, and an infected individual can transmit the disease to anyone with whom he or she has sexual contact. If the virus is not treated, the warts disappear on their own, remain unchanged, or grow and spread to adjacent areas of the reproductive area.
HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in addition to other less common cancers such as vulva, vagina, anus, and penis.
Self-check
What is the most effective way to ensure that you will not contract genital warts?