In this day and age where sexually transmitted diseases (STD) is fast becoming a worldwide problem, learning all about the facts might be lifesaving. The number of cases of genital warts is growing in an exponential rate since genital warts are contagious. Sexual transmission is the primary mode of transmission, although vertical transmission could happen. An infected pregnant woman can easily infect her unborn child through transmission of the virus during the course of pregnancy or during birth. Auto inoculation can also occur if the virus can find its way through a broken skin.

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the causative agent of genital warts, and there are over 40 strains that can affect the genital area. HPV Types 6 and 11 cause the most common visible warts but they rarely cause cancer. On the other hand, Types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 are not so common but they strongly suggested as the culprits of pre-cancerous stages of penile and vulvar carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the genital area.

So, is there a link between genital warts and cancer?

Our body's immune system is programmed to eliminate any type of infection that our body gets. When a high-risk HPV type or the type that most commonly cause cancer, is not eradicated by the body's immune system, it can linger in the body for many years until the body's defenses are down, HPVs can attack the normal cells and turn them into cancerous cells over time.

Some HPV types, the high-risk types, can result in significant cellular changes of the infected cells. Any altered cell has an inclination to malfunction. After a period of time, the changes get so severe that the infected cells get out control. Abnormal cells begin to multiply rapidly and act as autonomous units, meaning, they do not function in accordance to the needs of the body. In addition, since cancer cells are so demanding to support their growth and reproduction, they aggressively compete for the energy that normal cells need in order to function. Because the HPV was able to integrate its genetic material into the cell's DNA, treating and eliminating cancerous cells are difficult.

Pain, bleeding and itchiness of the genital area are the most common symptoms of genital warts. If these happen, first and foremost, before you do any type of treatment, make sure that it is a wart and not any other condition. Warts have a broken surface filled with tiny red dots. If the surface have irregular borders and color, it may be best to consult a gynecologist or a doctor who specializes in women's diseases before you do anything.

As always, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Practicing safe sex is the number one way of fighting this disease. Although the use of condoms to prevent this disease is controversial, condoms can still provide a barrier so the virus would not be able to penetrate the mucosa readily. Also, knowing the sexual history of your partner is of utmost importance in order to prevent it.

There is no known complete cure for cancers caused Human Papilloma Virus, but a healthy immune system can boost your body to prevent it. Cervical cancer is one of the cancers that are amenable to treatment, especially when diagnosed during the early stage. A vaccine is now available to protect women from the four strains that most commonly cause the genital warts and cancer. The vaccine is recommended to girls who are at their puberty (ages 11 and above) and for those women who are sexually active. So, visiting your gynecologist once in a while will be most beneficial for your health. The other HPV-related cancers, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are available to these patients depending on the type and stage of their disease.