Introduction
Sexually transmitted diseases, such as genital warts, are still often a taboo subject in our society. “Are genital warts contagious?” or “How do I protect myself from genital warts?”
are therefore often among the unanswered but urgent questions for many people affected. Basically, genital warts, also known as condylomata accuminata, are a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Unprotected intercourse therefore leads in many cases to infection and transmission of the disease. In principle, even close physical contact, e.g. bathing together or sharing contaminated objects such as towels, can lead to infection with genital warts. If an expectant mother suffers from genital warts, there is also the possibility of transmission to the child during birth.
Infection after removal
Genital warts are transmitted by so-called human papilloma viruses (HPV). To date, complete elimination of the viruses is not possible, so that even removal of the genital warts cannot offer a hundred percent guarantee of cure. Because even if the unsightly skin symptoms have been removed in self-treatment or medical therapy, HPV viruses can still remain.
Regardless of the chosen treatment method, experts estimate that within 6 months, in about 20-70% of cases, the genital warts can reappear. Since the pathogens are already active before a visible skin appearance occurs, affected persons can infect their sexual partners unnoticed even after removal! Although condoms only partially protect against infection with genital warts, because not the entire genital area is covered, they should still be used for at least 6 weeks after removal of the genital warts. Furthermore, it is useful to have regular medical check-ups. So therapeutic measures can be taken in time if the genital warts reappear.
Infection possibilities
The main route of infection of genital warts is unprotected traffic. Outside the human body, however, the HPV viruses only survive for a very limited time, so that infection in a swimming pool is very unlikely. Only with very close and direct physical contact in water, such as taking a shower or bath together, is there a realistic risk of transmission.
Fortunately, the idea of “floating viruses”, which move from person to person, could not be proven. As a rule, you can therefore enjoy a visit to the swimming pool without any worries. In addition, the water in swimming pools contains chemical additives such as chlorine, thus preventing the spread of pathogens.
Many affected persons fear an infection of venereal diseases, such as genital warts, through the shared use of the toilet. As with swimming pool visits, the following applies: HPV viruses can only survive outside the human body for a very short time and are therefore only transmitted outside the sexual act in exceptional cases. By following a few simple hygiene measures, the risk can be further reduced.
As simple as it sounds – wash your hands carefully with soap and running water after each visit to the toilet. This is because viruses could have gotten into your hands and be transferred to the door handle the next time you touch it, for example. In the worst case, they could get onto the hands of another person and then spread to the genital area by smear infection.
Furthermore, you should avoid direct contact with toilet seats, as the viruses can also be transmitted by smear infection in this way. To be on the safe side, disinfecting the toilet can be helpful. Many people affected by genital warts are ashamed of their disease and do not dare to tell their partner about it.
This can create a dangerous vicious circle and an infection of the partner is pre-programmed. In order to prevent this, you should be as open with your disease as possible and inform yourself about potential infection risks. Even if you do not currently suffer from genital warts, but have had them removed a few weeks ago, you should tell your partner about it.
Especially the unnoticed infection of pregnant women can have consequences for the child. If you have told your partner about your illness, the most important step has already been taken. In order to plan for the future, it is important to know that condoms do not provide one hundred percent protection against infection.
Although they do reduce the risk, mere skin contact with infected regions is sufficient.Ask your doctor about possible strategies for dealing with genital warts and partnership. Regular check-ups, including those of your partner, can provide security and ensure a timely start of therapy. Are genital warts contagious?
Yes, absolutely! Are genital warts without intercourse contagious? No, in principle not!
Put simply, the virus is not “made” for an environment outside the human body. Only during sexual intercourse can the small virus particles be transmitted directly. An explanation for the common assumption of genital warts transmission without intercourse could be the long “incubation period” of the causing HPV viruses.
By the incubation period, is the period between infection, with the pathogen and the appearance of the first symptoms. In this case, the incubation period is at least four weeks, but in many cases rather months. So it can be that affected persons have unnoticed traffic with an infected person.
Three months later the diagnosis “genital warts” is made – supposedly without any connection to sexual activity. To prevent such infections, a special “HPV vaccination” for young girls has been available in Germany for several years. First and foremost, the vaccination should protect against cervical cancer, which is also caused by HPV viruses.
At the same time, it prevents the development of genital warts, which in some cases can degenerate into cervical cancer. Inform yourself here about the topic: The virus wart.
