YOGYAKARTA - What is genital warts? Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This condition is caused by certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Although it does not cause cancer, this condition is very contagious and can interfere with the comfort and confidence of sufferers.
Well, in this article will be discussed in depth about genital warts, complete with symptoms, causes and how it is transmitted. Let's take a look at the complete information!
What is genital warts?Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic website, genital warts (genital warts) are a sexually transmitted infection characterized by the appearance of small bumps or wart-like growths in the genital area and its surroundings. These warts are caused by strains of HPV type 6 and HPV 11. Unlike high-risk types of HPV that can cause cancer, the types that cause genital warts are generally harmless in terms of cancer.
Although treatment can remove visible warts, the HPV virus remains in the body. This means that people who have been infected can still transmit this virus to their partner even though the warts have been removed.
Where Can Genital Warts Appear?Genital warts can grow in various areas of the body, including:
Groin area (groin) Anus and anus Penis and scrotum Vagina, vulva, vagina lips (labia), and cervix Mouth, lips, tongue, or throat (in the case of oral sex) Who is at risk of genital warts?Individuals who are sexually active have a greater chance of getting genital warts, especially if they have sex with people with HPV infection. The risk of infection will be greater if you often change sexual partners, or have sex without protection.
Anyone can get genital warts, but the risk is higher in:
Adolescents and young adults (ages 15-24 years) People who have many sexual partners Those who rarely use condoms or dental dams during sex. Individuals with weak immune systems, for example because they have HIV/AIDS or are using certain drugs.Is Genital Warts Contagious?Genital warts are a type of disease that is very contagious. Genital warts and the HPV virus that causes them can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral).
It is important to know that people with genital warts can transmit HPV even if there are no visible warts. In fact, this type of virus is still contagious even if the warts have been treated or removed. This is because there is no cure that can completely cure HPV.
What Causes Genital Warts?The main cause of genital warts is infection with HPV types 6 and 11. Transmission can occur through:
Vaginal, anal, or oral sexual intercourse Skin-to-skin genital contact (without penetration) Oral sex with an HPV-positive person in the mouth areaThe virus is not transmitted through the use of shared toilets, towels, or hand contact that has common warts.
What are the symptoms of genital warts?Genital warts are small bumps with a skin-like color or slightly darker so that they are sometimes difficult to detect directly. Genital warts can grow singly, but can also form structures such as cauliflower.
Here are some symptoms of genital warts that need to be known:
Small bumps of skin color or grayish white texture like cauliflower (cauliflower-like) Genital warts can be flat or protruding, sometimes appearing in groups and getting bigger Not painful, but can cause itching, irritation, burning sensation, or minor bleeding The time it takes for warts to appear varies widely - it can be weeks after infection, but often takes months to years. Many people are even infected with HPV without ever showing symptoms. How to Prevent Genital Warts?Genital warts caused by the HPV virus can be prevented by practicing safe sex and maintaining reproductive organ hygiene. The best way to prevent this type of sexually transmitted infection is as follows:
Using condoms and dental dams every time you have sex HPV vaccination (ideally done before being sexually active) Do not change sexual partners Have regular reproductive health check-upsThat's the information about what genital warts are. Get other interesting news updates by visiting the VOI.id page.
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