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· Genital Warts (HPV) Page 2 of3
are infected with HPV don't show any symptoms, anyone having sex should get regular medical
checkups and tell their doctor about their sexual history.
What Can Happen?
Sometimes, if left untreated, genital warts may grow bigger and multiply. Often, they go away on
their own without treatment - but this doesn't mean people can ignore genital warts. They can
spread to other people. And some types of HPV are especially worrisome for girls because they can
cause problems with the .c.~.r~i~that may lead to cervical cancer.
Since HPV can have such serious consequences, girls who have had sex should see a gynecologist,
who can do a Pap smear and test for changes in the cervix from HPV.
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The only surefire way to prevent genital warts is abstinence (the decision not to have sex). Teens
who do have sex can get some protection by properly using a latex condom every time they have
any form of sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal sex). Condoms may not give complete
protection because the virus can spread from the areas of the genitals not covered by the condom.
Condoms also reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs) as well as pregnancy.
The U.S. government has approved a vaccine that protects against some of the strains of HPV that
can cause cervical cancer.
How Are They Treated?
There is no cure that will get rid of the HPV virus completely. But treatments can reduce the number
of warts - or help them go away faster. When the warts disappear, the HPV virus is still there,
though it may not spread as easily.
If you are sexually active, think you might have genital warts, or if you have had a partner who
might have genital warts, you need to see your doctor or gynecologist.
Your doctor will do an examination, make a diagnosis, and then provide treatment, if necessary. A
number of different treatments might be used depending on where the warts are located, how big
they are, and how many there are. Your doctor might put special medications on the warts, or
remove them with treatments like laser therapy or chemical "freezing."
Sometimes warts can come back, so you might need to visit the doctor again. Anyone with whom
you've had sex also should be checked for genital warts.
Not all bumps on a person's genitals are warts. Some can be pimples, some can be other types of
infections or growths. So turn to your doctor for help - he or she can help determine what that
bump is and what you can do.
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: November 2009
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Note: All information on TeensHealth® is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment,
consult your doctor.
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