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Genital Wart Statistics
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and there are more than 75 strains of genital warts currently identified. Approximately 90% of all genital warts cases are caused by two specific types of the HPV (6 and 11) and are the least likely to have any cancer-causing potential. Less common types of genital warts have been associated with premalignant and malignant cervical cancers in women. HPV-16, in particular, has been attributed to about 50% of all cases of cervical cancer. Together, types 16, 18, 31, and 45, together, account for 80% of cancers.
Genital warts are highly contagious and are spread through oral, genital, or anal sex. Approximately two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with a partner who has genital warts will develop them. During sexual activity, the viral particles of HPV penetrate the skin and mucosal surfaces through microscopic abrasions in the genital area. Once cells are invaded by HPV, a latency period, which can last up to a year, may occur.
An estimated 40 million Americans are infected with genital warts. Between 500,000 and one million new cases of genital warts are diagnosed each year.
Currently, scientists are researching two types of HPV vaccines. One type aims at prevention of infection or disease, while the other aims to treat cervical cancers, which have been linked to genital warts.
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Genital Wart Facts