Transmission routes of genital warts
Disease description:
I have developed genital warts, and the area is now ulcerated and looks terrible. I'm really scared. I would like to ask, what are the transmission routes of genital warts?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
The main routes of transmission for genital warts include the following:
1. Sexual contact transmission: This is the primary route of genital warts transmission. During sexual contact, the virus enters the body through damaged skin or mucous membranes, leading to infection. It is especially common among individuals engaging in unprotected sex or having multiple sexual partners.
2. Mother-to-child transmission: When a pregnant woman has genital warts, the virus can be transmitted to the newborn through the birth canal or cervix. Additionally, during pregnancy, the virus may infect the fetus retrogradely from the vagina to the uterus.
3. Indirect contact transmission: Although less common, it is still possible to get infected by touching contaminated objects (such as underwear, towels, bathtubs, toilet seats, etc.). This requires the presence of a skin or mucous membrane break on the person exposed, allowing the virus to enter the body.
