Forum on HIV and AIDS Related Cancers: what are the chances of infecting the anus with vaginal warts?

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		what are the chances of infecting the anus with vaginal warts? Jan 31, 2003 Can Vaginal warts infect the anus or can anal warts infect the vagina? In other words, is there a difference between anal and vaginal warts other than the locations in body? Say one has vaginal warts, is there a chance of infecting the the anus while bathing? Thanks for your time. JJ


Advertisement Response from Dr. Dezube Genital warts can indeed spread from the anal area to the vaginal and penile areas in women and men respectively. Although I doubt they would spread during a bath, they can spread from skin contact (e.g. if you touch warts in one area and then touch another area). Also, I'm sorry to say, they can spread from one area to another, even if you do NOT have contact with the warts. How does this happen? Warts are caused by an HPV (human papilloma virus) infection. If you have warts in one area, then the cells in entire genital area may be HPV infected. Once the cells in the genital area are infected, warts can pop up in different locations. What's my advice? If you have any warts, then get them removed. This doesn't guarantee anything, but it will decrease the chance of spread. Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!

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