Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections.
Almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives with at least one type of human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts.
Genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. They can look like small, flesh-colored bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance. In most cases, the warts are too small to be visible.
Some types of genital HPV can cause genital warts, while others can cause cancer. Vaccines can help protect against certain types of genital HPV.
In women, genital warts can develop on the vulva, the walls of the vagina, the area between the external genitals and the anus, the anal canal and the cervix.
In men, genital warts can occur on the tip or shaft of the penis, scrotum or anus.
Genital warts can also develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sexual contact with an infected person.
Signs and symptoms of genital warts include:
Genital warts can be so small and flat that they are not visible. Rarely, however, genital warts can grow in large clusters in an immunocompromised person.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes warts. There are more than 40 HPVs that affect the genital area.
Genital warts are almost always transmitted through sexual contact. Your warts do not have to be visible to spread the infection to your sexual partner.
Factors that can increase your risk of being infected include:
Complications of HPV infection may include:
HPV infection does not always lead to cancer, but it is important for women to have regular Pap tests, especially for those infected with high-risk HPV types.
Warts on the vaginal wall can prevent the vaginal tissues from stretching during labor. Large warts on the vulva or vagina can bleed when stretched during labor.
Extremely rarely, a baby born to a mother with genital warts develops warts in the throat. The baby may need surgery to prevent blockage of the airway.
It is important for women to have regular pelvic exams, which can help detect vaginal and cervical changes caused by genital warts or early signs of cervical cancer.
During a Pap test, your doctor uses a device called a speculum to hold your vagina open and see the passage between your vagina and your uterus (cervix).
He or she will then use a long-handled instrument to collect a small sample of cells from the cervix. The cells will be examined under a microscope for abnormalities.
Only a few genital HPV strains have been linked to cervical cancer.
A sample of cervical cells taken during a Pap test can be tested for these cancer-causing HPV strains.
This test is usually reserved for women aged 30 and over.
It is not useful for younger women because for them HPV usually passes without treatment.
If genital warts do not cause discomfort, the warts may not need treatment.
However, if there is itching, burning, pain, or you are worried about the infection spreading, your doctor can help you remove the outbreak with medicines or surgery.
However, warts often return after treatment.
There is no cure for the virus itself.
These articles are written for informational purposes. You should consult your doctor to determine whether the procedure has been performed and the appropriate treatment for you.
