Anal warts: What is the HPV virus & how is it linked to genital warts?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) includes over 100 strains, two of which (6 and 11), cause warts as a symptom of an acute viral condition. This viral disease is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

Warts are small external lumps, which appear on the penis, vagina, anus and rarely in the mouth, or on other parts of the body, such as the hands. They usually have an uneven texture and are more easily noticed by touch.

They may appear singly or in clusters and may be skin-like or pink in colour.

Warts in these areas (penis, vagina, anus, anus, mouth) are caused by HPV – Human Papilloma Viruses, while warts on other parts of the body (hands) are caused by different types of HPV.

Anal warts can also be mistaken for haemorrhoids.

Contact with these warts that have appeared in other places, such as on the hands, does not seem to cause genital warts. However, the spread of warts found in or around the genital area is rapid, as through contact with the warts (simple contact, i.e. touching), there is a spread of active virus molecules, which increase geometrically.

2/3 of people who have sexual contact with a partner who has genital warts will develop warts, usually within three months after contact. The percentage of people who “catch” HPV is increasing dramatically every year. In the US, new cases of genital warts and anal warts are estimated at 1 million per year.