5 Facts About Genital Warts

Why do you need 5 facts about genital warts? Apart from abstinence, one of the best ways to prevent an STD is to know what causes it in the first place. Most of the time, using a condom will help prevent catching one of these cooties. For your protection, here are 5 facts about genital warts that are sure to inspire you to practice safe sex.

1. Highly Contagious: Genital warts are one of the most common STDs in the world because the virus that causes them, human papillomavirus (HPV) is highly contagious. Our number one fact: Genital warts are contagious even if you do not see a wart.
2. Incurable: Once you have genital warts, the fact is you will never be cured. You will face outbreak after outbreak, especially if you get sick, stressed out, or have a bad diet. Genital warts aren't life-threatening, but a lifetime of dealing with them sounds pretty annoying, right?
3. Cancerous: The HPV virus that causes genital warts has been linked to cancers of the vulva, cervix, penis and anus.
4. Spreadable: Genital warts aren't just limited to your genital region; it likes to grow on any moist tissues. If you have oral sex with an infected person, you may get genital warts in your mouth and throat.
5. Amazingly Ugly: Yes, this is a vain fact, but during an outbreak, genital warts look like swollen, flesh colored bumps that ooze clear liquid and pus. They are itchy and smell bad, and sometimes can grow together to look like some kind of strange cauliflower growth on your junk. Or in your mouth and throat. Shudder.

Mayo Clinic: Genital Warts

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/genital-warts/DS00087