GENITAL WARTS INFECTION (HPV)
BE SMART & AND DONT GET GENITAL WARTS
What are Genital Warts?
Genital Warts are soft growths on the skin and mucus membranes of the genitls. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papvilovmvirus(HPV). These skin growths can cause pain, discomfort, and ithchin. They are espcially dangerous for women because some types of HPV can also cause cancer of the center vulva.
Genital Warts in Women & Men?
Genital warts often look like fleshy, raised growths. They can can have a cauliflower shape, and often appear in clusters. Some warts may be flat. The warts may be easy to see with the unaided eye. Warts can take serveral weeks or months to appear after the infection. In women warts may be found in the follwing areas : vulva or vagina, inside or around the vagina or anus and the cervix. In men warts are less common. If present they are usually found in these areas : tip or small of the penis, scrolum and around the arms. While warts don not usually cause symptoms, the follwing may occur: bleeding, itching, and irritation,
How it affects your body?
There is no cure for HPV infection, but warts and cell changes can be treated. Treatment of genital warts can be painful, and warts may return after treatment. Warts that return after being treated usually are not treated again unless you want to be retreated. I f you do you usually choose a different form of treatment. Some doctors believe that treatment for the genital warts will help preventthe spread of HPV infections and keep genital warts from returning. Treatment of warts does not eliminate the HPV infection . Comdoms can help reduce the risk of HPV infecton.
How many are infected?
About 14 million people come infected each year. Up to 15 percent of sexually active teens are infected with HPV.
- More than half of all people will have an STD/STI at some point in their lifetime.
- In a national suvery of US physicians, fewer tan one-thired routinely screened patients for STD's/STI's
- Each year, one in four teens contracts an STD/STI
- Less than half of adults ages 18 to 44 have ever been tested for an STD/STI other than HIV/AIDS.
- Recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and infection show that there are 19.7 million new STI'S every year in the US.
Where can you go for help in Fort Smith AR?
Attention: Charles S. Campbell
Executive Director, Arkansas Board of Pharmacy
101 E Capitol, Suite 218
Little Rock, AR 72201
Attention: Trent P. Pierce, M.D.
Chairman, Arkansas State Medical Board
2100 Riverfront Drive
Little Rock, AR 72202