Condyloma accuminata is also known as venereal warts. This is probably the most common STD in the United States at the present time.

Cause: the human papilloma virus.

Symptoms: It can cause the growth of flesh-colored bumps in the genital or anal region. They can be soft or firm, large or small, single or multiple, raised or flat. Sometimes they look like tiny cauliflowers. Usually they're painless but irritation, itching or bleeding can occur.

A large number (maybe even a majority) of people infected with the virus have no symptoms. They can still pass the virus on to others and are at risk of the same complications as those with symptoms.

Complications: The treatments discussed below have complications. Infection of the vulva (area surrounding the vaginal opening) increases the risk of developing cancer in this area. It can also infect the cervix and increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Warts usually don't cause problems with childbirth but they can be passed on to the child. A cesarean section (operative abdominal delivery) is necessary if the warts block the birth canal.

Treatment: No medication can get rid of this virus. The tissue where it is living must be destroyed. This can be done with heat, freezing, acid treatment or burning with electricity or a laser. These treatments can be quite painful (we use local anesthesia and inhalation nitrous oxide for relaxation and conscious analgesia). Multiple treatments are usually necessary.

Once you have this virus anywhere in your genital area, you must get Pap smears every six months for life. That's so you can catch small problems early before they turn into cancer.

Prevention: Condoms give a lot of protection from this disease but only on the area they cover or contact. That leaves large areas of skin open to infection.