Genital Warts and Cancer: What's the Missing Link?
In the subject of sexually transmitted diseases, one particularly important aspect that should be paid attention to is the link between genital warts and cancer. The fact is that genital warts are not really cancerous just like all other types of warts you can have on other body parts, but the danger lies in the fact that genital warts is caused by HPV, the same virus that causes cervical cancer among women and penile cancer among men. And since HPV comes in different strains, both genital warts and cancer can affect the head and neck areas of both males and females.
HPV: Human Papillomavirus
Genital warts do not cause the formation of cancerous masses in the body of a young woman, but the missing link between genital warts and cancer is the human papillomavirus. The dreaded HPV can be contracted through unprotected sex and can trigger the appearance of genital warts. Genital warts are different from other external warts in that they can form in any area around the genital region, including internal areas of the anus and the surrounding area.
But the human papillomavirus, responsible for genital warts and cancer, has several other effects that will make an infected person wish instead for the warts. HPV comes in many strains, but the most devastating are HPV 16 or 18. These two strains are highly dangerous. The truth is that these are the two strains responsible for causing cervical cancer and another condition called dysplasia of the cervix.
This condition, dysplasia of the cervix, has been closely associated with early onset of cancer, and it often occurs after having sex with someone infected by the virus. It's no secret that the best way to be safe from genital warts and cancer is to refrain from engaging in sexual intercourse unless you and your partner are both completely certain that you are free from HPV and other diseases transmitted sexually. Of course, it can be awkward to ask your partner this question, but think of how much more difficult it would be to live a life marred by heavy consequences of HPV, such as genital warts and cancer. That is, of course, if you manage to live with such a condition in the first place.
However, aside from abstaining from sexual intercourse, you can also use a new drug that can keep women safe from four different strains of the virus that causes genital warts and cancer. The drug can fight off the highly dangerous HPV 16/18, which is notorious in causing cervical cancer among women. Take note, however, that the vaccine only works for a limited number of strains and not all, so it is still best to be wise, informed, and cautious when deciding to engage in sexual intercourse.
