Definition

Genital warts are growths or bumps that appear:

    
  • On the vulva
  • In or around the vagina or anus
  • On the cervix
  • On the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh
  • Rarely, in the mouth or throat

    • Genital Warts

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    Genital warts is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most people will be exposed to a form of HPV at some point in their lives. Not everyone will become infected or develop symptoms.

    Causes

    Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many different types of HPV. Only a few types are thought to cause genital warts. Many types of HPV are associated with harmless skin warts found on the fingers or feet.

    Certain types of HPV may cause cervical cancer. Less commonly, certain strains of HPV can cause cancers of the vulva, anus, or penis.

    HPV is easily spread during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner. Most people who have sex with an infected partner will also develop genital warts.

    Warts can also be spread to an infant during delivery if the mother has genital warts.

    Risk Factors

    Factors that may increase your risk for HPV and genital warts include:

        
  • Multiple sexual partners
  • First male sexual partner has had two or more previous sexual partners (for women)
  • Sex without condoms
  • Having a weakened immune system
  • Sex at an early age
  • Skin-to-skin contact with an infected partner
  • Previous history of genital warts or other STDs

    • Symptoms

    Genital warts often look like fleshy, raised growths. They can have a cauliflower shape, and often appear in clusters. Some warts may be flat. The warts may not be easy to see with the unaided eye. Warts can take several weeks or months to appear after the infection.

    In women, warts may be found in the following areas:

        
  • Vulva or vagina
  • Inside or around the vagina or anus
  • Cervix

    • In men, warts are less common. If present, they are usually found in these areas:

        
  • Tip or shaft of the penis
  • Scrotum
  • Around the anus

    • While warts do not usually cause symptoms, the following may occur:

        
  • Bleeding
  • Itching
  • Irritation

    • Diagnosis

    Genital warts may be diagnosed by:

    Visual Exam

    A doctor can usually diagnose genital warts by looking at them. If external warts are found on a woman, then the cervix is usually also checked. A doctor may use a special solution to help find lesions that do not have classic features.

    Biopsy

    A sample of tissue will be taken and tested for HPV.

    Treatment

    Treatment help the symptoms, but does not cure the virus. The virus stays in your body. This means the warts may recur.

    Your treatment depends on the size and location of the warts. Not all warts need to be treated. If left untreated, some may go away on their own, but others may stay. Some warts may also get larger or spread.

    Treatments may include:

    Topical Treatments

    Topical medication is applied directly to the skin. Your doctor may recommend one of these medications:

        
  • Imiquimod cream
  • Sinecatechins ointment
  • Podophyllin resin
  • Podofilox solution
  • Trichloroacetic acid or bichloroacetic acid

    • Cryosurgery, Electrocautery, or Laser Treatment

    Methods that instantly destroy warts include:

        
  • Cryosurgery (freezing)
  • Electrocautery (burning)
  • Laser treatment

    • These methods are used on small warts. It may be used on larger warts that have not responded to other treatment. A large wart can also be removed with surgery.

    Prevention

    The only way to completely prevent HPV from spreading is to avoid physical contact with infected partners.

    Latex condoms may help reduce the spread of HPV infection and genital warts. Condoms are not 100% effective because they do not cover the entire genital area.

    Other ways to help prevent infection include:

        
  • Abstain from sex
  • Have a monogamous relationship
  • Get regular check-ups for STDs

    • Vaccine

    There is a vaccine for HPV. It is given over a series of three injections to girls and boys aged 11-12 years old. If you are aged 26 or younger and were not vaccinated, you can receive a catch-up vaccine series.