Genital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases. New genital wart infections affect about 5.5 million Americans each year.
As the name suggests, genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. They may look like small, flesh-colored bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance. Sometimes they may be only 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter. In other situations, the warts may multiply into clusters, which can be quite large.
In women, genital warts can grow on the vulva, the walls of the vagina, the area between the external genitals and the anus (perineum), and the neck of the uterus (cervix). In men, they may be found on the tip or shaft of the penis, the scrotum or the anus. They can also develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sexual contact with an infected person.
Although genital warts can be treated, they are a serious health concern. The virus that causes them — the human papillomavirus (HPV) — has been associated with cervical cancer. It has also been linked with other types of genital cancers.
The signs and symptoms of genital warts include:
- Tiny, pink or red swellings in your genital area that grow quickly
- Several warts close together that take on a cauliflower shape
- Itching or burning in your genital area
Like warts that appear on other areas of your skin, genital warts are caused by a virus that infects the top layers of your skin. There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Yet only a few types of HPV infections can cause genital warts. They are highly contagious and spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. About two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with someone who has genital warts develop the condition — usually within one to six months of contact.
Having unprotected sex with multiple partners increases your risk of becoming infected with HPV. Other risk factors include having another sexually transmitted disease, poor nutrition and hygiene, and medical conditions that suppress the immune system. Sometimes warts may also occur during pregnancy, possibly due to changes in the immune system.
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When to seek medical advice
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See a doctor if you have developed bumps or warts in your genital area. Also, talk to your doctor if you have a sexual partner who has developed genital warts or has had a diagnosis of them.
For women, it's important to have a pelvic exam and Pap test, which can help detect vaginal and cervical changes caused by genital warts or the early signs of cervical cancer, a possible complication of HPV infection. If you're sexually active, talk to your doctor about how often you need to have a Pap test. If you've had genital warts, you may need to have a Pap test every three to six months, depending on the severity of your condition. After having three normal Pap tests in a row, you can usually follow a yearly routine.
HPV infection has been linked with cervical cancer. Certain types of HPV also are associated with cancer of the vulva, cancer of the anus and cancer of the penis. Most types of HPV don't lead to cancer, but it's still important for women, particularly for those who have been infected, to have regular Pap tests.
Genital warts may cause problems during pregnancy. They can enlarge during this time, which may make it more difficult to urinate. Warts on the vaginal wall may affect its ability to stretch during the birth. In rare cases, an infant born to an infected woman may develop warts in the throat, which may require surgery to prevent airway obstruction.
Doctors can help you get rid of an outbreak of warts with medications or surgical treatments. Sometimes medical treatment can take care of the virus that causes genital warts as well. If the underlying virus isn't completely eliminated, however, genital warts may reappear even after treatment.
Medications
Topical treatments are available that can be applied directly to your skin. These include:
- Imiquimod (Aldara)
- Podofilox (Condylox)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary to remove larger warts or warts that don't respond to medications. Surgical options include:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery)
- Burning with electricity (electrocautery)
- Laser treatments
Don't try to treat genital warts with over-the-counter medications, which aren't intended for use in the moist tissues of the genital area. Doing so can cause even more pain and irritation.
Practicing safe sex can reduce the risk of genital warts. Yet using condoms doesn't eliminate the risk entirely because they still may allow you or your partner to come in contact with infected skin. If warts are visible on you or your partner's genital area, avoid sexual contact until the warts are treated. If you've developed genital warts for the first time, inform your sexual partner so that he or she can get treatment and take precautions to prevent spreading the condition to others.
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June 2, 2003 —
