Entry 13: 24/7/08

I will now start on my second question on Issues on Sex, which is as follows: Name two examples of STDs(Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and elaborate on them.

One example of a Sexually Transmitted Disease is Genital Warts. Genital warts are caused by some types of HPV, which is the human papilloma virus. They can appear on the skin anywhere near the genitals as white or flesh-coloured, smooth, small bumps, or larger, fleshy, cauliflower-like lumps. There are more than 100 different subtypes of HPV, and around 30 of them specifically affect the genitals. Other HPV subtypes cause warts to grow on different parts of the body, such as the hands.

If symptoms do appear, then the infected person may notice pinkish or white small lumps, or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps on the genital area. Warts can appear on or around the penis, the scrotum, the thighs or the anus. In women, warts can develop around the vulva or inside the vagina and on the cervix. If a woman has warts on her cervix, this may cause slight bleeding or, very rarely, an unusual coloured vaginal discharge.

Warts may occur singly or in groups. The warts may itch, but they are usually painless. Sometimes, the warts can be difficult to spot. In severe cases, it is possible for warts to spread from the genitals to the area around the anus, even if anal intercourse has not occurred.

Genital HPV is transmitted by genital skin-to-skin contact, or through the transfer of infected genital fluids. This is usually during vaginal or anal sex, but it is also possible to pass it on through non-penetrative sexual activity.
In rare circumstances, a woman can pass HPV on to her baby during vaginal child birth.

I will continue in my next post.

Sources:
http://www.avert.org/genital-warts.htm

Glossary:
Vulva: The external genital organs of the female, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule of the vagina.

Cervix: The narrow outer end of the uterus. A portion of the cervix extends into the vagina.