Genital warts

Warts occurring in the genital areas are caused by certain types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs), and these types of warts can be transmitted to other people by sexual contact. Most often, genital warts are nothing more than a nuisance, but occasionally they can become so numerous or so large as to interfere with urination, bowel movements, or vaginal delivery. HPV infections of the genital tract are associated with the development of cervical cancer in women and with the development of certain other cancers of the genital tract, anus, and oral cavity.

Chancroid and granuloma

Chancroid, granuloma inguinale, and lymphogranuloma venereum are three diseases that have their highest incidence in the tropics. Chancroid, also called soft chancre, is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi and resembles in appearance the primary chancre of syphilis. Granuloma inguinale is caused by the bacterium Klebsiella (Calymmatobacterium) granulomatis. The lesion begins as a small sore but may spread to involve large areas, usually in the genital region, in a destructive ulcerating lesion. Lymphogranuloma venereum is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and begins with a frequently unnoticed bump on the genitals. Later, lymph glands in the groin enlarge and may proceed to rupture and drain purulent material. Swelling of the genitals may develop much later.

Cytomegalovirus and hepatitis B

All of the aforementioned diseases are spread primarily by sexual contact, but there are other diseases that are transmitted sexually only in a minority of cases. Chief among such diseases are cytomegalovirus, a viral infection that is ubiquitous in humans and is spread by various means, including sex, and the hepatitis B virus, which is spread primarily through intravenous injections and blood transfusions but which can also be transmitted sexually.

Pubic lice

Finally, a common infestation is pediculosis pubis. The crab louse, Phthirus pubis, infests the hair of the pubic region, where louse eggs, or nits, are attached to the hairs. After about one week the larvae hatch, and in about two weeks they develop into mature crab lice. The lice attach themselves to the base of the hair and feed on the blood of the host. Persons become aware of the infection because they see the lice or the eggs or because intense itching develops after two or three weeks.