Heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, to trysexual aka "I'll try anything once maybe even twice if it's good" sexual, we have entered a sexual revolution. Things once considered taboo are the norm as society has embraced an acceptance of sex in mainstream media and the everyday lives of individuals and groups. If you live long enough and are open enough you will witness first hand the void of shock factor that once tailed the subject of S-E-X.
With this newly revolutionized atmosphere comes a need to educate the masses on issues that are still highly misunderstood including the use of condoms and their effectiveness against pregnancy and STDs. Although when used effectively condoms are highly effective against the two, it is important to note that there are cases in which they do little to nothing to protect you. One of those issues is a form of HPV that causes genital warts. Although still a mystery to many, it is the most commonly occurring STD caused by a virus. Described as flesh or grey toned growths that infect the genital and anal regions of both men and women, genital warts are highly contagious and may often go undetected due to their lack of physical symptoms outside of the often minor growths that may vary in size and shape in the pubic region. They are painless and often colorless outside of your individual skin tone. The spread is caused by skin to skin contact with the genital or anal region of an infected person. Therefore although condoms cover certain areas, they prove ineffective against the spread of this form of HPV as bodies mesh during sexual intercourse. In fact approximately 2/3 of individuals who come in contact with an infected person with an active outbreak, may develop an infection within three months as genital warts may take time to develop in the epithelial cells of the skins surface which is where the virus lives in the body. Once diagnosed, an individual is treated with one of a variety of topical solutions including one that is acid based and may differentiate a wart from another growth such as a common in grown hair bump by turning it white. The HPV virus that causes genital warts has no cure and treatment may not cause a permanent fix for the virus. In fact, it may go away in some individuals while reoccurring in others. It is important for those infected to prevent the spread by monitoring their genital/ anal regions for active growths and treating them as soon as possible while abstaining from sex until the wart has been treated and gone.
Long considered the most efficient barrier against STD, condoms alone do not prevent the spread of many common STDs even when used correctly. Great care must be taken to monitor the genital and anal areas of yourself and your sex partner to aid in the fight against risk factors such as HPV (Human Pappillomavirus) that causes genital warts. This culprit may be spread from mere contact with a wart that is visually open or hidden but present. Do your part and get educated on this most common STD caused by a virus that is still highly misunderstood. We have entered a sexual revolution. Arm yourself with knowledge and heightened awareness. Pick up the condom because safe sex is great sex but pride yourself in knowing that condoms alone are not the answer to the best sex.
~Envy~
