Table of contents:
- What are genital warts?
- The cause of the appearance of genital warts
- 1. Unsafe sex
- Sex penetration
- Anal sex
- Sex toys (sex toys)
- Oral sex
- 2. Other causes of genital warts
- Complications due to the appearance of genital warts
- Cancer
- Interference during pregnancy
- How to prevent genital warts
Did you know that you can get warts on your genitals? Yes, warts generally appear on exposed parts of the human body. However, warts can also grow in closed and sensitive areas, on the genitals of one of them. What are the causes of genital warts? Let's look at the full explanation below.
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are a venereal disease that results in the appearance of small, tender bumps in the genital area.
The main cause of genital warts is infection human papillomavirus (HPV).
There are more than 200 types of the HPV virus that can infect the human body.
Generally, the HPV virus can cause all types of warts on the hands, fingers, and even the face.
Some of them also have the potential to cause other more serious health problems, such as cervical cancer.
It's just that the HPV virus which causes genital warts is different from that found in cervical cancer.
Genital warts generally attack indiscriminately, both women and men can be affected.
However, usually women are more susceptible to genital HPV.
The growth of these warts is very gentle because at first it is not detectable with the naked eye.
Over time the warts will appear on their own.
The growth of genital warts can cause stinging pain, tend to be uncomfortable, and itchy.
The cause of the appearance of genital warts
As discussed above, this disease is caused by the HPV virus.
According to the Planned Parenthood page, of the 200 types of HPV viruses, 40 of them can infect the genitals.
As an area that is moist and easily wet, the genitals are the safest and most comfortable place for the growth of the virus.
Moreover, if a person has a lot of sweat glands and not a few in vital parts, the virus is easier to develop.
HPV virus infection is a very common condition. In fact, most people who have had sex have been exposed to this virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States or CDC, it is estimated that as many as 340-360 thousand men and women are affected by HPV that causes genital warts each year.
However, not everyone who is exposed to the HPV virus will experience genital warts.
In most cases, if your immune system is good, it will kill the genital HPV virus.
As a result, you may not even realize that you are "close to" getting genital warts.
Well, the cause of transmission of genital warts can be due to several factors, such as:
1. Unsafe sex
These genital warts are spread through physical contact during sexual intercourse, especially those that are not protected by a condom. This usually involves sexual activity such as:
Sex penetration
The main cause of transmission of genital warts is sexual penetration, which is when the penis enters the vagina.
Transmission will also occur more easily if penetration is done without a condom.
Plus, if you are actively having sex with more than one person or multiple partners without using a condom, your risk of contracting genital warts is much higher.
The reason is, you do not really know what the medical history of your sex partner is.
Anal sex
Transmission of genital warts is also not only done by penetration of the penis into the vagina, but also through anal sex.
So, when you have anal sex, the risk of getting genital warts is even greater.
Sex toys (sex toys)
Use of sex aids such as sex toys it also increases your risk of contracting genital warts.
Your risk can be even greater if sex toys used by more than one person or poorly maintained.
Oral sex
Oral sex is also one of the causes of spreading warts, but this is less common.
It is also important to remember that genital warts are not always transmitted through genital fluids.
The spread of genital warts can also be passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact, especially if someone accidentally or doesn't touch the warts.
Genital warts not contagious through kissing, cuddling or sharing towels, clothes and other everyday items.
However, the use of condoms can help protect the penis or vagina against the transmission of genital warts.
2. Other causes of genital warts
There are other factors that play a role in the process of spreading genital warts.
Apart from this, the following are physical conditions that can potentially cause genital warts to appear:
- People with diabetes or diabetes mellitus are prone to infections in vital organs.
- Have had other sexually transmitted diseases before.
- Stress that causes sweat to continue.
- Decreased immunity so that it is susceptible to viruses, for example taking certain drugs, recently receiving an organ donor, or suffering from HIV.
Complications due to the appearance of genital warts
Warts that are mild in nature can actually go away on their own.
However, if genital warts cause uncomfortable symptoms that are not treated promptly, they run the risk of causing harm.
Some of the risks of complications or dangers from the appearance of genital warts, namely:
Cancer
Cervical cancer has been closely linked with genital HPV infection, including those that cause genital warts.
Some types of cancer such as vulvar cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, oral cancer, and throat cancer are also complications of genital warts.
Interference during pregnancy
Genital warts can also be a cause of problems during pregnancy. When the warts get bigger, it is difficult for pregnant women to urinate.
Warts on the vaginal walls can reduce the ability of vaginal tissue to stretch during a normal delivery.
Large warts on the vulva or on the vagina can cause bleeding during childbirth.
How to prevent genital warts
Genital warts are a treatable condition.
However, treatment only focuses on removing warts, not eliminating the HPV virus that is already in the body.
Once the HPV virus enters the body, it cannot be eliminated.
However, over time and the immune system improves, the virus will go away on its own.
Therefore, the best way to prevent the appearance of genital warts is to avoid exposure to the viruses that cause genital warts.
You can prevent genital warts by:
- Not changing partners and having sex with only 1 partner.
- Use condoms to reduce your risk of getting any sexually transmitted diseases.
- Get the HPV vaccine.
- Have regular screening tests, especially if you are sexually active.
Consult your doctor further if you experience complaints related to genital warts.
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