Is genital warts a sexually transmitted disease?

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual activity. A detailed analysis is as follows: Sexually transmitted diseases generally refer to infections transmitted through sexual intercourse. Genital warts, caused by human papillomavirus infection, are a type of sexually transmitted disease characterized mainly by proliferative lesions in the anal and genital areas. They pose serious health risks and are highly contagious. The primary mode of transmission is direct sexual contact, although indirect transmission is also possible, such as through contact with underwear, towels, or other items contaminated by individuals with genital warts. Additionally, during childbirth, a fetus passing through the birth canal may come into contact with infected epithelial cells shed from the mother and become infected. Patients with genital warts can generally be treated with medications such as podophyllotoxin cream, imiquimod cream, and fluorouracil cream under the guidance of a physician.