The human papillomavirus is the cause of genital warts (HPV). Although HPV has more than 180 variants, type 6 or type 11 is what most patients with genital warts have. Small growths (warts) on mucosal surfaces, such as the genitalia or anus, can be caused by these low-risk infections. Certain HPV subtypes, especially types 16 and 18, are regarded as high risk since they have the potential to cause cancer in both men and women in the long run. Sexual contact is how HPV spreads because the virus enters the body through thin skin. The most prevalent STI in the globe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is HPV.

Condyloma acuminatum, or genital warts, are often tiny, painless growths with a flesh-colored appearance. They may show up singly or in groups. When found in clusters, they could resemble cauliflowers. They may occasionally itch. Genital warts in men can develop on the scrotum, the anus (anal warts), or the tip or shaft of the penis. Genital warts in women can develop on the perineum (the region between the vagina and the anus), inside or outside the vagina, or around the anus. In person, genital warts are identified by visual inspection and occasionally by further testing. To receive treatment for genital warts through Optum Clinic, you need to have had an HPV diagnosis in the past from a medical professional.

Genital wart outbreaks that have been confirmed can be used to detect low-risk HPV. However, 90% of HPV carriers do not get genital warts. Actually, in about two years, their infections will go away on their own. Certain HPV infections provide significant long-term health hazards if they don't go away on their own. The following malignancies are linked to high-risk forms of HPV infection:

• Cervical cancer in women

• Vaginal and vulvar cancers in women

• Penile cancer in men

• Anal cancer in men and women

• Mouth and throat (oropharyngeal) cancer in men and women

Regular Pap screenings are the only way for women to be tested for HPV infections, which can lead to cervical dysplasia or cancer. The USPSTF (United States Preventive Services Task Force) suggests Pap smears for women between the ages of 21 and 29 every three years. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 have three screening options: Pap smears every three years, high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing every five years, or both every five years. To check for cell abnormalities, a healthcare professional may advise an anal Pap smear if you're a guy who has sex with men (MSM).

Genital warts may develop months or years following an HPV 6 or 11 infection. As a result, pinpointing the exact moment of HPV introduction might be challenging. Even if you never experience HPV symptoms like genital warts, you can still spread the virus to your sexual partners. Since they don't stop every instance of skin-to-skin contact, condoms are only partially successful in preventing transmission.

Within a year, vaginal warts may spontaneously disappear. Treatment for genital warts can cause the warts to go away considerably faster—within three months. If your warts haven't disappeared entirely after 6 to 12 weeks of wart treatment, or if they haven't responded after 3 weeks, clinicians typically advise attempting a new genital wart therapy. Genital warts frequently recur after therapy because these medications don't eradicate the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially in the initial few months following treatment.

Up until the age of 26, you can receive the 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9, Cervarix). Since HPV vaccinations work best when administered prior to sexual activity, those between the ages of 9 and 12 are frequently advised to receive them. You can discuss the effectiveness of the immunization with a healthcare professional if you're older than 26. Several virus subtypes, such as types 6 and 11 (low risk) and types 16 and 18 (high risk), are avoided by HPV vaccination. From anal cancer to genital warts, these diseases can result in a variety of illnesses.

At this time, Optum Clinic Clinic does not accept health insurance for visits. You can submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement, but we can’t guarantee they’ll reimburse you. If you typically pay for your prescription drugs with insurance, you can do the same with those that are prescribed by Optum Clinic. The cost of medication isn’t included in the cost of your visit.

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