Fortunately for those with the viral infection, the bumps “usually disappear on their own,” the Mayo Clinic states. In addition, they can be removed using medications and other procedures.
3. Trichomoniasis
This virus can live on an inanimate objects (like a dirty bath towel or vibrator) for a long period of time after someone carrying the infection touches it. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Mostly presenting itself as a vaginal infection with a foul-smelling discharge accompanied by itching and irritation, Alyssa Dweck, M.D., an OB/GYN in Westchester, New York, and coauthor of V Is for Vagina tells Women’s Health, states, “there’s no clear-cut information on how long the virus can live.” In other words, keep it clean ladies!
4. Herpes
Also called HSV, herpes simplex virus infection, herpes can be transmitted through kissing, dirty used razors and even sharing utensils with someone carrying the virus. While there are two types of the herpes virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2*, OB/GYNs are moving away from distinguishing between them as much as each can pop up wherever, whenever. Much like HPV, there is no cure for either herpes strain.
*HSV-1 doesn’t usually recur, while type 2 is more recurrent.
Bonus: Lastly, while some may not consider going “down under” real sex, because it doesn’t involve penetration, please believe that performing any sexual act orally or anally leaves you at risk for transmitting sexual diseases like chlamydia, herpes and HPV.