From the Guidelines
Genital warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), primarily types 6 and 11, which account for about 90% of all genital warts cases. These warts develop after direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity with someone who has an HPV infection, even if they don't have visible warts 1. The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin and can remain dormant for weeks to months before warts appear. Not everyone infected with HPV will develop genital warts, as the immune system often clears the infection naturally. However, when warts do develop, they typically appear as flesh-colored, soft growths on the genitals, anus, or surrounding areas.
Key Points to Consider
- Prevention methods include HPV vaccination (such as Gardasil), consistent condom use (though this provides only partial protection since HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms), and limiting sexual partners 1.
- If you develop genital warts, see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options, which may include topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), or other removal methods depending on the extent and location of the warts.
- It's essential to note that treatments are available for conditions caused by HPV (e.g., genital warts), but not for the virus itself 1.
- The types of HPV that cause genital warts are different from the types that can cause anogenital cancers 1.
Additional Considerations
- Correct and consistent male condom use might lower the chances of giving or getting genital HPV, but such use is not fully protective because HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom 1.
- Sexually active persons can lower their chances of getting HPV by limiting their number of partners, but HPV is common and often goes unrecognized; persons with only one lifetime sex partner can have the infection 1.
- The only definitive method to avoid giving and getting HPV infection and genital warts is to abstain from sexual activity 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Podofilox Topical Solution 0.5% is indicated for the topical treatment of external genital warts (Condyloma acuminatum). Squamous cell carcinoma may also be associated with human papillomavirus but should not be treated with Podofilox Topical Solution 0.5%.
The cause of genital warts is associated with human papillomavirus 2.
From the Research
Causes of Genital Warts
- Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 in 90% of cases 3, 4.
- HPV is a DNA virus that infects epithelial cells in various mucous membranes and skin surfaces 5.
- Low-risk HPV types, such as HPV-6 and HPV-11, are not typically associated with cancer but can cause benign conditions like genital warts 5.
Transmission of Genital Warts
- Genital warts are transmitted primarily through anogenital contact and penetrative and non-penetrative sex 3, 5.
- Transmission can also occur through non-penetrative sexual activities that involve skin-to-skin contact 5.
- Vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth is possible but relatively rare 5.
Prevention of Genital Warts
- Prevention of HPV infection includes vaccination and safe sexual practices 5, 6.
- HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil and Cervarix, are highly effective in preventing infection with the most common high-risk HPV types 5, 6.
- Safe sexual practices, such as consistent and correct condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners, can also reduce the risk of HPV transmission 5.