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It�s not that HPV only causes anal or genital warts, there are a host of other risks associated with it. This infection, if left untreated, can lead to severe condition that may pose risk not only to health, but even to life.
The low and high risk HPV
Of the 100 different types of HPVs that exist, most are harmless. Some types of HPV only cause common skin warts, like those found on the hands and soles of the feet. These types of HPV, luckily, don�t cause anal or genital warts. Only about 30 types have the ability to spread through sexual contact.
These are classified as either low risk or high risk. Low risk type cause genital warts, which may be single or multiple bumps that appear in the genital areas, including the vagina, cervix, vulva (area outside of the vagina), penis and rectum. High-risk types of HPV cause abnormal Pap smear results and could lead to cancers of the genital area. Many people infected with HPV display no symptoms at all. (1)
Who�s at risk?
If you�ve had sex at an early age or with multiple partners without the use of barrier protection, you�re at risk of getting infected with HPV, resulting in anal or genital warts.
Risks of the infection
Despite the extensive study of prevalent HPV infections, little is known about their incidence and natural history. What�s surprising, findings from a variety of studies suggest that after infection, most individuals don�t develop clinical signs or symptoms of this infection. However, all develop warts and a small percentage of infected individuals are likely to develop HPV-associated cancer (2).
Since, the various strains of HPV infect differently, some types cause cervical cancer, while other types are associated with vulvar cancer, anal cancer and cancer of the penis, a rare form of cancer. However, in women, most HPV infections don�t progress to cervical cancer. But, still it�s important to have regular pelvic exams and Pap smear tests done to detect them early, for timely treatment to be given, if necessary (1). Even HIV-positive men and women are at an increased risk of this infection. The risks for HPV-associated neoplasia and cancer, such as hypermethylation, leading to down-regulation of potential tumor suppressor genes, are also increased (3).
Anal and genital warts can cause a number of problems during pregnancy too, because these warts can multiply and become brittle, posing risk to the mother and baby. So, if necessary, it�s best to discuss options for their removal with your physician. Warts, especially genital warts, can sometimes get larger during pregnancy. If they occur in the urinary tract, you may find it difficult to urinate; if they�re present in the vagina, they can make the vagina less elastic and cause obstruction during delivery. So, it�s of utmost importance that they be removed to ensure a safe and healthy delivery of the newborn. (1)
Although rare, there have been cases where infants born to women with genital warts had developed warts in their throats. In medical parlance, this is termed as respiratory papillomatosis. For the child, this is a potentially life-threatening condition, requiring frequent laser surgery to prevent obstruction of the breathing passage. Research in interferon therapy with laser surgery shows promise in slowing the course of the disease. (1)
Anal warts hide a host of life threatening risks. So, it�s always better to be safe than sorry by getting Pap smear and other tests done regularly, especially if you�ve been a victim of anal or genital warts.
