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The Call-On-Doc Guide to Genital Warts

Considered the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States, the human papillomavirus is a family of over 200 related viruses categorized into low and high-risk viruses. Also known as HPV and commonly referred to as genital warts, the disease is so common that over 75% of people just becoming sexually active are estimated to catch a variant of HPV, with about half getting infected with a high-risk type. (1) (2)

Most types of HPV in both high or low risk categories are asymptomatic, making no noticeable impact on the infected person other than using him or her as a mode of transmission. The general difference between low-risk and high-risk HPV that do show symptoms is the development of genital warts and the association with cancer development. Some strains of low-risk HPV, examples being types 6 and 11, cause the development of genital warts. High-risk HPV, examples being types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45, have the potential to cause cancer in rare cases. However, the actual development of cancer in HPV patients is rare due to the body’s ability to clear up the infection.

Nov 28, 2023

What's the Difference between Herpes and HPV?

Both common in the United States, herpes and HPV can often be confused with each other due to what develops on the skin after either infects a person. Herpes, which causes sores that are often called fever blisters, is a viral STD that, when left untreated, makes it easier to get infected with other STDs like HIV. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is often called genital warts and results in warts. The differences between the two conditions may not be clear at first glance but become clear as each develops and exhibits symptoms.

Apr 18, 2024

Are Genital Warts Contagious?