What causes Venereal Warts?

• Warts are caused by a virus called Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• The virus infects only the topmost layer of the skin where they grow and cause the skin to grow with it.
• More than 50 types of the virus are known and 14 of them infect the mucosa (wall) of the genital tract.

How do you get it?

• Sexual contact: any kind of sex that causes you to come in contact with a person who has the infection.
• Autoinocculation (self-infection): can spread it in your self by touching the part which is infected and then touching another part of your body which is not infected.
• Baby can also get it when the baby passes through the birth canal of an infected mother.

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Who gets it?

• Anyone can.
• Those who have unprotected sex.
• The baby who is passed through the birth canal of the infected mother.

What happens to me if I get this?

• It is possible that you may not feel anything but you are still infected.  This makes prevention of spreading the infection very difficult.
• It can take 2-3 months before you may feel anything.
• Warts grow in and around the entrance of the anus and the vagina and appear on top of the penis.
• They are PINK, CAULIFLOWER like skin growths but are PAINLESS.
• In WOMEN
  • Genital warts have been linked to CERVICAL CANCER
  • It is important that women who have them or have a partner who has them get cervical pap smear test regularly to make sure that they didn't get cervical cancer.

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How long does it last?

• 50 percent of the warts go away by themselves in 6-12 months without any treatment.
• With treatment, they go away much faster.

How can I prevent it?

• USE CONDOMS when having sex!!!!
• Better yet, don't have sex with unknown and multiple partners!!

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How does the doctor test for this?

• Simply by looking at it you can tell that you have warts.

How is it treated?

• Genital warts can be removed by:
  • surgery
  • an expensive prescription medication called Aldara or Podophyllin, which you have to apply on the wart (making sure not to apply on normal skin which it can damage if you aren't careful).  Podophyllin comes from a the root of the podophyllum tree (Mayapple), and although fairly effective, is dangerous and should only be applied by a doctor.   
• The warts can come back even after treatment.
• There are other phytomedical products that are less dangerous yet still effective, like SkinChoice Condysil Creme, which do not require a prescription, are less expensive, and can be purchased with complete confidentiality.

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What happens to me in the long run?

• Warts can go away and come back even after treatment.
• It is a bigger problem in women because this infection is linked to Cervical Cancer. Women who have had warts or have a partner who have had it should get cervical smear test regularly.

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* Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your health care provider before adding any substances to your diet or making any lifestyle changes.

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