SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE

 Genital Warts (HPV)

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Genital wart: A wart in the moist skin of the genitals or around theanus. Genital warts are due to a human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPVs, including those that cause genital warts, are transmitted throughsexual contact. HPV can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth. Most people infected with HPV have no symptoms, but theseviruses increase a woman's risk for cancer of the cervix. HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US. It is also the leading cause of abnormal PAP smears and pre-cancerous changes of the cervix in women. There is no cure for HPV infection, although anti-viral medications can reduce outbreaks and topical preparations canspeed healing. Once contracted, the virus can stay with a person for life. Also called condyloma acuminatum, condylomata.