5 Common Myths About Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by the sexually transmitted infection Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. As with most sexually transmitted diseases and infections, there are many misconceptions surrounding genital warts and HPV. This can make it difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here are five common myths about genital warts.

Myth #1: Warts on the Feet and Hands Spread to the Genitals

If your partner has a wart on their hand or touches a wart on their foot, you may be worried that it will spread to your genitals. It’s important to keep in mind that there are 150 strains of the Human Papillomavirus, and those strains only affect a certain area of the body, according to Student Health Services at Ohio State University. This means that warts on the hand and feet don’t spread to the genitals.

Myth #2: There’s a Test for Genital Warts

Although Pap tests can test for cervical cell changes to diagnose cervical cancer, there is no laboratory test which can tell you your HPV status, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Visible genital warts are the easiest to diagnose. Acetic or vinegar testing can be done to turn unrecognizable warts white to make them easier to see, but this isn’t always accurate for diagnosis because other bumps may be seen instead, according to the American Social Health Association.

Myth #3: Condoms Fully Protect Against Genital Warts

While condoms do help reduce the risk of genital warts, they do not offer full protection. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contract. This means that if the area of skin which has been infected by the virus is not covered by the condom, there is still a risk of the virus being spread.

Myth #4: Genital Warts Aren’t Contagious After Treatment

You may be under the impression that you cannot spread genital warts to your partner if you have them removed. Research has not confirmed that the virus cannot be spread after treatment, however. While the warts will be gone, the infected skin that surrounds the wart may still be able to transmit the infection, according to the American Social Health Association.

Myth #5: Cervical Cancer is Caused by Genital Warts

A common myth about genital warts is that they cause cervical cancer. For starters, warts do not cause cervical cancer. The Human Papillomavirus causes cervical cancer. The strains of HPV which cause genital warts generally are not linked to cancer and will not lead to cancer, according to the American Health Association. The strains of HPV which cause genital warts often do not cause any symptoms and are generally harmless.

These are just five common myths about genital warts. If you have any questions about warts or HPV, be sure to talk to a licensed healthcare provider.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Talk to a licensed healthcare provider if you are concerned about your health.

Sources:

American Health Association, “Myths and Misconceptions.”
American Health Association, “Genital Warts Questions & Answers.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Student Health Services at Ohio State University


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