Dear Green3y3dChick,

Genital warts are unsightly and can be uncomfortable, but in general they are not dangerous. They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are 100 different kinds of HPV. Only a couple of them can cause genital warts. Because HPV transmits easily from one person to another, it is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S.

Even though the warts have been removed, it's possible that your boyfriend can still get them. But he may already have been infected. Most infections have no symptoms, but they are still passed from one person to another. That's why it's difficult to know who had the infection first. Most of the time the infections go away by themselves.

Often, in a few months, warts go away by themselves, too. If treatment is needed, they can be removed with prescription creams that you apply to the warts. Clinicians can also remove warts by freezing them off, burning them off with electrical current or lasers, or by using surgery.

It is important that to avoid letting partners have contact with the warts. Condoms can help reduce the risk of passing the virus that causes genital warts. But the virus can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by the condom.

The FDA recently approved a vaccine that is nearly 100 percent effective against HPV 16 and 18, the two types of HPV that account for 70 percent of cervical cancers. It is also effective against two types of HPV that cause 90 percent of genital warts. You may want to talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated for HPV so you can be protected against types you have not already had.

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.