Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by the "low-risk" strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The warts can appear on the genitals, or in the urethra, anus, or throat. HPV is spread during vaginal, oral, and anal sex. There are a variety of treatments to remove warts, but there is not cure. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission, but the virus may shed in areas affected by warts outside the areas protected by a condom. Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, protects against the two strains of HPV that cause most genital warts. Genital warts can be diagnosed through examination of the warts during a physical or gynecological exam.