Genital warts (also known as Condylomata acuminate or Condylomata) are one of the most common sexually transmitted conditions that affect millions of sexually active men and women.  The genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), or to be more precise by some of its strains. The virus has no less than 40 different strains, but it is mostly the type 6 and type 11 which cause the outbreak.

In most cases the people carry the virus, but do not see any symptoms at all or see the signs months later since the dormant period of genital warts is quite long, which in fact increases the risk of spreading the disease and infecting their sexual partner or partners. Unfortunately there is no single and universal test that can easily establish if a person carries the human papilloma virus, but swabs are taken mostly from women during their regular checkups with the gynecologist. This is usually done because some of the HPV types are known to contribute to the development of cervical cancer.

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The main problem is that the genital warts incubation period is really long: from a few weeks up to eight months. The length is determined by the strength of the person’s immune system; this is also why some people’s immune system will “take care” of the virus and they won’t have to see a doctor at all and they will never see any symptoms. The genital warts incubation period is in most cases between two and four months, but there have been cases reported when the warts appear a year after the last sexual contact. It should be noted that according to some the HPV can also be contracted by using other people’s toiletries, without any sexual contact at all, but the possibility is remote.

Rare are the cases when the virus leads to the development of cancer, but it can be one of the contributing factors, especially when it comes to cervical cancer, and less often penile or anal cancer. The other two major factors are the immune system and cigarette smoking.

This is why it is extremely important for women to go to regular checkups – as we have already seen the incubation period can be long and some women will never see any signs of genital warts. The swabs that are taken are examined for the most dangerous types of the human papilloma virus and can help to start a timely treatment if one is needed.

Another factor that might influence the length of the incubation period is the way the virus has been transmitted: after vaginal, anal sex, oral sex or by skin-to-skin contact; the person’s overall health plays a major role as well.

When the symptoms become visible, they are usually in the form of warts on the vaginal lips, on the penis, or in the genital region and around the anus. Also, itching, discomfort, pain, and even bleeding during sex can be caused by the warts. If you or your sexual partners experience any of these symptoms immediate medical assistance should be sought – the timely diagnosis is crucial!