Final answer:
Genital warts are small, rough growths in the genital area caused by certain strains of HPV. They are sexually transmitted and can appear as irregular, soft, pink growths. Vaccination with GARDASIL is recommended to prevent HPV, and regular Pap tests can detect cervical cancer early.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genital warts are small, rough growths found in the genital area that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection. These warts, also known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, can present as irregular, soft, pink growths on external genitalia or around the anus. HPV can lead to different types of warts such as common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, and filiform warts. Genital warts are a specific manifestation of HPV in the genital area.
It is important to note that not all HPV infections result in visible warts, and the virus can also be responsible for more serious conditions such as cervical cancer in females. Preventative measures include the GARDASIL vaccine, which is recommended for females aged 11 to 26 years to protect against the strains of HPV that are most often associated with genital warts and cervical cancer. Regular screening through Pap tests can detect cervical cancer early when it is usually treatable.