Genital warts

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Female reproductive anatomy

Condylomata acuminata; Penile warts; Human papilloma virus (HPV); Venereal warts; Condyloma

Total abstinence is the only foolproof way of avoiding genital warts and other STDs. You can also avoid STDs by having a monogamous sexual relationship with a partner known to be disease-free.

Skin near the warts and around the genitals, anus, and other areas can pass the virus from one person to the next. Therefore, male and female condoms cannot fully protect you. Nonetheless, condoms should still be used. They reduce your chances of getting or spreading STDs. These precautions must be taken at all times. HPV can be passed from person to person even when there are no visible warts or other symptoms. See: Safe sex

A new vaccine called Gardasil prevents infection against four of the HPV strains responsible for the majority of genital warts and cervical cancer in women. The vaccine is given as a series of three shots. It is for use in females only.

US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Licenses New Vaccine for Prevention of Cervical Cancer and Other Diseases in Females Caused by Human Papillomavirus. Rockville, MD: National Press Office; June 8, 2006. P06-77.

Kodner CM. Management of genital warts. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 70(12): 2335-42.

Stenchever, MA. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc; 2001.

Review Date: 02/08/2007
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.