The use of pictures of genital warts in sexual education is not just for the sake of educating the people, but also for “shock value”, to frighten children and teens away from engaging in unsafe sex.
Although there are those who think that this is an offensive approach, this type of STD poses dangers to those who are affected, and these dangers must be known.
The response of those people who see genital warts (even in pictures) is the instinctive response of man to any form of human body abnormality - the “uncanny valley” effect.
This reaction benefits us because it triggers the instinct to go away, or to prevent the appearance of those unsightly things on our own body. Take leprosy, as an example. When we see something related to the human body or behavior that appears abnormal, our response tells us this is “disturbing”, thus pushing us away from the aberration. It is ironic that the outward symptoms of HPV are not the worst symptom of human papilloma virus. The fact is that the most dangerous forms are not even visible; some of these symptoms can bring about cervical cancer if left undiagnosed and untreated.
In the long run, showing pictures of small genital warts can save women from contracting HPV because of the uncanny valley effect, but looking at the pictures doesn’t prevent unsafe sex. Each woman should also have a regular check-up, including a pap smear.
Although the use of condoms doesn’t guarantee that you will be safe from genital warts (because the virus infects the areas surrounding the genitals), the use of condoms during sexual intercourse plays a big role in reducing the risk of contracting STDs like genital warts.
Nearly all adults that are sexually active have a chance of contracting HPV, or other forms of STDs, in their lifetime. In fact, an estimated fifty percent are already suffering from HPV or other STDs. The most common strains of the virus are also the least harmful ones, and don’t cause genital warts or cancerous growths. It is still best to consult your doctor if you have any doubts about whether or not you have contracted an STD. In order to prevent any form of STD you should always practice safe sex, as well as fidelity to your partner.