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These documents are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ask Dr. Cullins: STIs/STDs



Q:  If you have warts on your hands can you spread them to your partner's genitals?

A:  No. There may be very rare exceptions, but the kinds of warts that appear on the hands are caused by different types of viruses than the warts that appear on the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, rectum, or anus.

The there are more than 100 different types of human papilloma virus (HPV). Some of them cause warts. Some do not. Some of the ones that cause warts develop on the skin of the hands. Some develop on the skin of the feet. Some develop in the areas around the sex organs and may also develop in similarly moist areas of the mouth and throat. Others develop on other parts of the body.

There are between 500,000 and one million new cases of genital warts every year. Very often they fade away by themselves. But they may stay the same, grow in size or number, or recur. They can cause sores and itching, which can increase the risk of HIV infection. They can be removed with topical medication, cryotherapy (freezing off), or electrocautery (burning off). Other treatments — surgery, laser, and interferon injections — are also available but are less common.


Send your sexual health questions to askdrcullins@ppfa.org. Note that due to the large number of e-mails received every day, we are unable to provide personal replies. Answers to Ask Dr. Cullins questions are periodically posted on the homepage.
This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.


Published: 10.29.04 | Updated: 03.13.07

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