# What You Should Know About HPV And Genital Warts

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/wellbeing/health-checks/what-you-should-know-about-hpv-and-genital-warts/
- Published: 2017-03-24T16:10:15+11:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

### _Nobody likes to talk about sexually transmitted infections, but there’s nothing better for avoiding and understanding these STIs than a solid awareness of what they are, how they’re caused, and how they can be treated._

 

In the case of HPV and genital warts, there is some confusion in the public about
what they are, whether they’re the same, or what the differences might be. We want
to clear that up today, as well as provide some necessary information on them.[⌊Hpv and genital warts awareness image for health education⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Unique-Baby-Names-That-Will-Rock-it-This-2017-8-e1484215033217.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

## **What Are They****?**

Ok, let’s start by defining what we mean when we’re talking about HPV,�and Genital
Warts.

**HPV:** An acronym for Human Papillomavirus, this term is used when referring to
more than 100 different strains of the virus which can result in a variety of conditions
from genital warts to cervical cancer.

[⌊Close up of hand with genital warts caused by hpv infection⌉⌊Close up of hand with genital warts caused by hpv infection⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/7882348-1x1-700x700-1-e1484818361719.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

photo via :mytips1-.blogspot.com

**Genital Warts:** These are soft growths in the genital area caused by HPV that
are usually either white or flesh coloured. They can appear by themselves, or in
groups, and can be raised or flat.

[⌊What you should know about hpv and genital warts | stay at home mum⌉⌊What you 
should know about hpv and genital warts | stay at home mum⌉[

photo via : tldsmovie.org

## **HPV**

[⌊Hpv and genital warts diagram showing vulva vagina cervix urethra perineum and anus Important⌉⌊Hpv and genital warts diagram showing vulva vagina cervix urethra perineum and anus Important⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/7882348-1x1-700x700-2.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)

HPV, or the Human papillomavirus, is a relatively common condition that around four
out of five people will have at some point in their lives. It is sometimes referred
to as the “common cold” of sexual activity. Affecting both men and women, HPV is
spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, via tiny breaks in the
skin. Usually, this happens without anyone knowing, meaning people often have HPV
and are undiagnosed.

Now, while genital HPV is quite a common STI, it can sometimes cause serious illness.
In fact, HPV is responsible for almost all cases of genital warts and cervical cancer,
about 90% of anal cancers, 65% of vaginal cancers, 50% of vulva cancers and more.

 

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

 Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical
home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney,
she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school 
age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience
in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)