Dear Counsellor:

I am very curious to know how a person gets genital warts. I was recently told that I was infected with it. I am very worried because I just cannot tell where I got it from. My doctor said I got it through sex, but that is very strange because I have been with this one partner for a few years well. My mother has warts all over her left hand and feet so I am thinking it's a family thing.

Worried girlfriend

Dear Worried Girlfriend:

Human pappiloma virus (HPV and genital warts are usually spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has this infection. Warts on other parts of the body such as the hands are caused by different types of HPV. Contact with these warts does not seem to cause genital warts.

Genital warts may appear within several weeks after sexual relations with an infected person or may take months, or may never appear. This makes it hard to know exactly when or from whom you got the virus.

Please follow your doctor's instructions and always feel free to get a second opinion.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections, call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at 1888-9914444.