Genital Warts

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are growths that appear on the penis, vagina, vulva (labia), cervix, rectum, or groin. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease, meaning they are transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. When a person is infected, it may take one to three months for the warts to appear. Some people who are infected never develop warts. If you think you might be infected, you should get tested, even if you do not have any visible warts.

What do genital warts look like?

Genital warts appear as small pink or red growths in or around the genital area. They may resemble small parts of a cauliflower, or they can be very small and hard to see. They often appear in clusters of three or four and can grow and spread quickly. They are usually not painful, although they can cause mild pain, bleeding, and itching.

How can a person become infected with genital warts? How is transmission achieved?

Genital warts are transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with the warts of an infected person. Contact most commonly occurs during sexual activities involving the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth.

How can I know if I have genital warts?

If you think you have genital warts, visit your doctor. They can examine you and conduct tests if necessary to determine if you have them.

The following tests are performed for genital warts:

Men

• A visual examination to check for lesions related to genital warts
• Examination of the genital area and rectum
• Collection of fluid samples to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia
• Blood sample to test for syphilis
• Blood sample to test for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)

Women

• A visual examination to check for lesions related to genital warts
• A complete gynecological examination
• Examination of the rectum
• Collection of fluid samples to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia
• Blood sample to test for syphilis
• Blood sample to test for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)
• May perform a Pap test and check for human papillomavirus (HPV)

Tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are conducted because sexually transmitted infections often occur together and share similar symptoms. Sometimes patients may seek further evaluation and biopsy from a gynecologist, urologist, or dermatologist.

What causes genital warts?

Genital warts are caused by a large number of different viruses. These viruses are among a group of over 60 viruses known as HPV (human papillomavirus). HPV can cause genital infections, in addition to genital warts. HPV can also cause warts on the hands and feet, although these viruses do not spread as easily.

Why are Pap tests and biopsies performed?

The Pap test looks for changes in the cervix that may be caused by an HPV infection. It also checks for cervical cancer. With early treatment, cervical cancer can be cured. There is a correlation between HPV infection and cervical cancer, which is why women with HPV should be closely monitored for cancer. The types of HPV that cause genital warts tend to be different from the types that cause cancer. However, because patients can carry more than one type of HPV, it is important to undergo routine cancer screening as recommended by your doctor.

A tissue biopsy may be needed for a closer examination of the tissue cells under a microscope. This is sometimes required if the diagnosis of warts is uncertain or if abnormal cells have been detected in a Pap test. The test looks for cells that show the early signs of genital cancer.

How are genital warts treated?

You cannot treat genital warts on your own. If you think you have them, do not delay in getting examined and treated. The longer warts go untreated, the more difficult they are to cure.

With the help of a doctor, genital warts can be treated using the following methods:

• Chemical solutions that dissolve the warts (applied by the doctor or the patient)
• Laser or electric cauterization
• Cryotherapy with a special device
• Medication injections into the warts
• Surgery (for warts that are large or difficult to treat)

Warts may recur, so additional treatments may be needed.

What should I do while I have the warts?

• Keep the area as dry as possible.
• Wear cotton underwear. Synthetic fabrics can irritate the area and trap moisture.

How can I avoid getting genital warts?

• Do not have sex with someone who has genital warts or is being treated for genital warts.
• Use latex condoms, even if you are using another form of contraception.
• Get vaccinated against HPV. The vaccine is approved for girls and women aged 9 to 26 and protects against the development of cervical cancer. The vaccine is given before the onset of sexual activity. It consists of three doses: the second dose is given two months after the first, and the third dose is given six months after the first. If you already have HPV, the vaccine cannot cure you but can still help protect against other types of HPV infections (besides those that cause cervical cancer). For example, the vaccine can help protect against the HPV that causes genital warts.

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