Researchers at the University of Washington have found just how easily people infected with herpes simplex type 2 virus, which causes genital herpes, can unknowingly pass it on to other people.  On average, the researchers found those “who had had past herpes outbreaks were infectious 20.1% of the time, while the asymptomatic group was found to be able to transmit the virus 10.2% of time.”  Virus presence was detected “at least once in 83.4% of the people with symptomatic infection and in 68.2% of people with asymptomatic herpes.” The authors say the study shows that even people with asymptomatic herpes type 2 “can transmit it to a sexual partner.”

This further means that pregnant women with no symptoms can pass on the virus to their babies with devastating consequences for the newborn, including death.  Moreover, HSV-2 infection can cause complications in people who have weakened immune systems due to chronic disease, and it can increase a person’s likelihood of contracting HIV.

Condom use, drug therapy and disclosure of the disease to partners can help curb the spread of herpes.  A blood tests to detect HSV-2 became widely available in 1999, making it easier for people to find out if they have genital herpes even if the infection isn’t active.

Genital Warts are among the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases, but people lack the right information to help prevent or treat this condition. Clear, correct, updated information regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts is difficult to find. The result is that a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding genital warts abound. In some cases, these mistaken beliefs may even do harm. Inaccurate information may have several physical and emotional ramifications on the sufferer. For instance, he/she may suffer from severe anxiety over his/her condition, doubt the faithfulness of his/her partner, undergo an expensive and painful treatment that could otherwise have been avoided, or worst of all, neglect having his/her condition treated and risk his/her health.

This article tackles the most common misconceptions and busts these myths in order to make more people understand genital warts and HPV better.

Myth: Only women can carry HPV and have genital warts.

Fact: The chances of men and women having HPV and genital warts are more or less equal. However, the symptoms of genital warts appear more on women because their anatomy provides a better breeding ground for the virus. The warm and moist environment of the vagina makes it an attractive location for the virus to reside in and multiply.

Myth: I can only get genital warts by having unprotected sex.

Fact: It is no doubt that having unprotected sex increases your chances of getting HPV. HPV can also be transmitted by direct skin contact. Thus, some forms of protection like condoms won’t guard you against some STDs because they don’t cover the entire genital area. It can also be passed on through oral sex, resulting in warts in the mouth and throat. Moreover, some studies have shown that HPV can be spread through contact with infected objects such as contaminated medical equipment and bath towels.

Myth: If I don’t see genital warts, it means that I don’t have HPV.

Fact: HPV, when passed on, can be in a latent or incubation phase that can last for a few weeks to even several years. Thus, symptoms of genital warts won’t manifest right away. A carrier may never know that he/she has the virus. In fact, experts estimate that only around 1 percent of all Americans who are sexually active have visible warts. 

Myth: Genital warts appear only on the head of the penis.

Fact: Genital warts can appear anywhere – on the head, shaft, scrotum, or even the thighs or lower abdomen.  Here are some warts on the shaft.

Warts on the penis can be embarrassing – but should be treated.  If untreated, you can spread them to your partner or develop into cancer.