According to webmd.
com, the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STD).
There are roughly one hundred types of HPV, some of which can cause many types of warts.
HPV is responsible for common warts such as those found on the hands and feet, as well as infections like female genital warts.
HPV warts, are caused by HPV.
In fact, more than thirty types of HPV can cause genital infections such as female genital warts.
HPV does not discriminate between age, race, or gender.
It affects the young and old, males and females, and all ethnicities.
Around fifty percent of sexually active individuals will become infected with HPV, though some will not be aware of the infection due to lack of symptoms.
This makes it exceptionally easy to infect other people with HPV without even knowing it.
In simplest terms, when someone becomes infected with HPV, it causes an infection.
The skin may become rough and bumpy, may be flat and smooth, or small fingerlike growths may develop.
HPV is especially problematic for women because it could lead to cervical cancer.
This is why regular gynecological checkups are important.
Pregnant women should be especially cautious because there is a chance that they can pass HPV to their baby during delivery.
The risk of acquiring female HPV warts depends on a person's age, number of sexual partners, and whether or not his or her partner is monogamous.
Because warts can look so different, it is often difficult to figure out if it is really an actual case.
The Internet has a lot of information on the subject, though it may be overwhelming at times.
It is not possible to determine whether you have an HPV infection that will progress into female genital warts, or how severe an outbreak it might be.
HPV warts may disappear on their own, though there are several medications and medical procedures for persistent warts.
In order to treat the infection, the entire wart and skin layers containing the virus must be removed.
These procedures may cause scarring or discomfort, and may not cure genital warts.