Genital Warts Statistics

One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world, genital warts is a worldwide problem. Few realize exactly how prevalent the disease is, permeating cultural and affecting millions worldwide. In this article, we'll provide some hard numbers about genital warts so that you can see the entire extent of the problem.

- According to a study conducted by the American Social Health Association, or ASHA, the number of new genital warts cases that occur throughout the United States on a yearly basis rests at around 5.5 million. In America today, there are over 40 million citizens that are infected with the disease, representing quite a high number of infections.

- There are over one hundred different types of Human Papilloma Virus, the virus that is responsible for genital warts. While some types of the virus spread warts to areas of the body such as the hands, the feet, or the mouth, the types that spread genital warts are among the highest risks. Of the total number of types of Human Papilloma Virus, 30 of them can be spread through sexual contact.

- The most commonly affected age group for genital warts in America is those who are between the ages of twenty and twenty four. Both males and females in this age group are known the be equally susceptible to the disease.

- Genital warts represent a more significant risk to females than males. While the disease is relatively harmless in males, in females, development of the disease may lead to a case of cervical cancer due to the growth of abnormalities on the cervix. As a matter of fact, a full eighty five percent of all females with cervical cancer were found to have a case of genital warts. What can be the most frightening is the fact that over fifty percent of all females who are infected with genital warts experience absolutely no symptoms. For that reason, doctors recommend that any sexually active females get a pap smear performed at least once per year to confirm that there is no presence of the warts.

- The United Kingdom is also a location in which genital warts is especially prevalent. As a matter of fact, it's the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease in the entire country.  The highest rates of infection in the UK are among men that are between the ages of 20 and 24 and women that are between age 16 and 19.

Now that you can see how prevalent the disease is, you can more accurately tell how important it is for you to employ safe sex practices. Using a condom is often not enough to avoid infection with genital warts, since genital warts may occur on parts of the body not protected by the condom. For that reason, be sure that if your partner shows any signs of genital warts that they seek immediate treatment and avoid sexual activity until the problem is solved. Your health is your responsibility, and it's important to stay safe when considering the risks that are out there.

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