Can You Get Genital Warts from a Toilet Seat?

Genital warts are common in those who are sexually active and have had multiple partners. They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and considered to be an STD. However, not everyone who has HPV will develop genital warts. In some cases, HPV lays dormant inside your body and causes no symptoms. But often, the warts are visible on or around the genital and anal areas. These warts are described as small and fleshy bumps on the skin. They are usually painless but can be accompanied with itching, inflammation and discomfort. Genital warts located to the urethra and anus can cause bleeding with intercourse. Besides, they are highly contagious and can spread to other parts of the body or to other people. Genital wart is extremely dangerous but there are still many myths about it. Many sufferers even don’t know why they catch it and some said that they might get it from a toilet seat. Can the human papillomavirus be transmitted through an inanimate object? This article will help you find out the answer.

What are the signs and symptoms of

genital warts?

HPV has more than 150 different types but not all of them cause health problems. While some types cause warts on the body, others cause HPV-related cancers. Genital warts are the first noticeable signs of the infection. Besides, there are some other signs and symptoms you might often notice from the disease.

• Small bumps that look like cauliflowers
• Itching, irritation and discomfort
• Bleeding with intercourse

Women usually notice genital warts in the vulva, cervix, vagina and anus. In men, these warts can develop on the penis, scrotum, urethra, upper thighs and anus.

Related: Everything You Should Know About Genital Warts

What are the risk factors of genital warts?

Anyone who is sexually active can have chance of getting infected with HPV. And, the risk factors may include:

Your age. Having sexual intercourse at the young age can put you at risk of HPV infections.

Your sexual activity. Having unprotected sex. Having sexual contact with multiple partners. Having sex with a partner who has multiple partners. These acts can make you be infected with HPV.

STDs. If you’re having a form of STDs, you can be more at risk of HPV infections.

How can you get genital warts?

You’re more likely to have genital warts if you contract HPV type 6 and 11. These types of HPV can be passed through direct skin contact from an infected person. Sexual intercourse is a typical example. Doctors said that any type of sexual contact can put you and your partner at risk of HPV. For example,

• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Vaginal sex
• Genital-to-genital contact
• Sharing sex toys with someone who has genital warts
• Touching your partner’s genital warts and then touching your skin

Can you get HPV if your infected partner

does not have symptoms?

Your partner may have HPV and doesn’t realize it. This is because HPV does not always cause visible warts and other symptoms. In some cases, it takes months or even years to develop symptoms. This makes it difficult to know exactly when you are infected. Also, this can explain why many sufferers spread HPV without knowing it.

Doctors discover three periods of time when the virus is contagious, including:

• Before the warts are visible on the body
• While the warts are visible
• After the warts have disappeared

So, you can catch the virus even when your partner has no signs and symptoms. Having unprotected sex and sharing sex toys are common reasons.

Related: Having Sex with Genital Warts

Can you get genital warts from a toilet seat?

HPV cannot survive outside of the human body. “It doesn’t matter whether the virus lives away from body, on an inanimate object or surface” A doctor says. So, contact with these things never transmits the virus. You can only get HPV through intercourse or other direct skin contact.

So, don’t worry. You cannot get genital warts from an infected toilet seat. Also, you cannot get them by sharing objects like cups, plates, cutlery and towels.

How do you treat genital warts?

Genital warts can be treated with medication or surgery. But they sometimes return because the virus may remain in the body for life. If an HPV infection doesn’t cause symptoms, you may not need treatment. But in case genital warts are visible, you should remove them immediately. Doctors recommend two most effective treatments, including:

Topical treatments. Using a cream, liquid, ointment or lotion to apply directly to the warts. Vidarox is one of the best topical antiviral creams for curing genital warts. “This solution is made from FDA-approved ingredients including tea tree. Applying it 2-3 times a day can lower the rate of wart recurrence at the level of less than 10%.” Many researchers and doctors said.

Surgical treatments. You can also get warts removed surgically by curettage, electro-surgery and laser surgery.

Some natural treatments such as apple cider vinegar can also help with genital warts. But, they can cause some side effects to the skin area. So you should consult your doctor before trying any home remedy.

Related: Why Genital Warts Keep Coming Back and How to Prevent It

Topical treatment is considered the most effective treatment for genital warts. Usually it takes a few days or weeks to work. So you should stick with applying this solution until the warts are completely gone. You might also know that you cannot get genital warts from a toilet seat. Sexual intercourse is the only way to spread the disease. To avoid this, you need to have lifestyle changes, avoid bad habits, and practice safe sex.