Dear mm1234,

You can't get genital warts — or any sexually transmitted infection — from masturbating, no matter how often you do it. Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV (human papilloma virus). HPV is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Transmission occurs during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be spread through other kinds of sex play, like body-rubbing.

Several other types of HPV are linked to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and penis. These are not the same types of HPV that cause genital warts. Condoms and Glyde dams can reduce the risk of genital warts during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Genital warts look like small bumps or cauliflower-like growths. They can appear anywhere on the genitals — the vulva, vagina, cervix, and anus in women; and the shaft and head of the penis, scrotum, and anus in men. Rarely, these warts appear in the mouth or throat.

Although genital warts are highly contagious, they often go away on their own within a few months without causing any harm. If they don't go away, or if they are located in positions that cause discomfort, clinicians remove them with certain medications or surgical techniques.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for all young women between nine and 26 years old, and the cost can be covered by insurance. A recent study shows that the vaccine also works for young and older men. It prevents the two types of HPV that cause most genital warts and the two types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. Talk to your health care provider about whether you can get the HPV vaccine.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

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.