Genital Warts Symptoms, Treatments and More
Article Sources
- 1. 'Genital Warts: HPV, STD, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts
- 2. Leslie, Stephen W. 'Genital Warts.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Feb. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441884
- 3. 'Quick Facts: Genital Warts.' Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-infections/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/genital-warts
- 4. 'Genital Warts.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Nov. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20355234
- 5. 'Genital Warts.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Nov. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355240
- 6. 'Genital Warts.' Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 11 June 2019, [www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/genital-warts.](http://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/genital-warts.)
- 7. 'Genital Warts Symptoms and Treatments.' Symptoms & Treatments - Illnesses & Conditions | NHS Inform, www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/genital-warts
Genital warts are small growths that appear in the genital area. The sexually transmitted infection is caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Over 100 types of HPV viruses have been identified, but only two, HPV types 6 and 11, cause genital warts.
Approximately 400,000 young adults develop genital warts each year. By age 50, eight out of every 10 women have experienced at least one genital warts infection. While medical treatments are available for genital warts, they don't eliminate the HPV virus. This means genital warts may recur, and an infected person may continue to transmit the virus to others.1‘Genital Warts: HPV, STD, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts,2Leslie, Stephen W. ‘Genital Warts.’ StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Feb. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441884,3‘Quick Facts: Genital Warts.’ Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-infections/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/genital-warts
Symptoms of Genital Warts
Genital warts are small pink, gray or flesh-colored raised areas that appear in the groin, around and inside the anus, on the penis and scrotum of males and on the vaginal lips, vulva, vagina and cervix of females. They may also develop in the mouth, lips, tongue or throat. Some genital warts are flat, while others have a bumpy, irregular, cauliflower-like appearance. In rare cases, warts may combine to form large clusters.
Although genital warts usually don't hurt, they sometimes cause discomfort, itching or burning. Light bleeding may also occur, especially upon intercourse.1‘Genital Warts: HPV, STD, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts,3‘Quick Facts: Genital Warts.’ Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-infections/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/genital-warts,4‘Genital Warts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Nov. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20355234
Causes of Genital Warts
Genital warts develop when the HPV virus spreads from an infected person to an uninfected person via skin-to-skin contact during sexual relations. People can potentially get genital warts from an infected person when engaging in sexual intercourse, genital touching and giving or receiving oral sex.
Some people have no symptoms and are unaware they have genital warts, but they can still spread the virus through sexual contact. Symptoms of genital warts may take weeks, months or years to appear.1‘Genital Warts: HPV, STD, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts
Risk Factors
The virus that causes genital warts spreads through sexual contact, so having unprotected sex with a partner with an unknown sexual history increases the chances of contracting the condition. The risk of infection is also heightened by having multiple sexual partners and becoming sexually active at a young age.
People who have had previous STDs or have a history of genital warts are also at greater risk of developing genital warts. Those with weakened immune systems are more likely to acquire genital warts.4‘Genital Warts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Nov. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20355234
Diagnosing Genital Warts
A health care provider can usually recognize the characteristics of external genital warts with a visual inspection. An anoscope helps doctors check for genital warts inside the anus. A woman may undergo a pelvic exam and pap test to check for cervical changes and a colposcopy to look for genital warts on the vagina and cervix.
If there is any question about the diagnosis, the doctor may perform a biopsy. They may also conduct blood tests to check for other STDs.1‘Genital Warts: HPV, STD, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts
Topical Treatments for Genital Warts
If the genital warts aren't causing discomfort, some people opt to forego treatment. Untreated genital warts may resolve on their own, stay the same or grow larger in size and quantity.
To clear an outbreak of genital warts, a health care provider may apply a topical solution to the affected areas. Alternatively, they may prescribe a cream for the person to apply at home over a period of several weeks.1‘Genital Warts: HPV, STD, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts,5‘Genital Warts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Nov. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355240,6‘Genital Warts.’ Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 11 June 2019, www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/genital-warts.
Physical Removal Methods for Genital Warts
If topical treatments are ineffective or inappropriate for the situation, a doctor may use cryotherapy to remove genital warts. This involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze genital warts. Another alternative, electrocautery, uses an electrical current to burn genital warts. A doctor may also opt to perform traditional surgery to remove genital warts. For genital warts that are difficult to treat, the doctor may use laser treatments.
Pain is a side effect of each of these treatment methods. Swelling and scarring may also occur.5‘Genital Warts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Nov. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355240
Complications and Recurrence of Genital Warts
Eliminating genital warts doesn't remove the HPV virus from the body. This means genital warts may recur.
Genital HPV infections have been linked to the development of cancers in the mouth, throat, anus, vulva and penis. Genital warts on the cervix or in the vagina may cause changes in the cervix that may lead to cancer. People with genital warts or other HPV infections should remain vigilant for cancer symptoms and undergo periodic recommended testing, such as pap tests for women.1‘Genital Warts: HPV, STD, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts,4‘Genital Warts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Nov. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20355234
Genital Warts and Pregnancy
In some cases, genital warts may become larger during pregnancy, resulting in urination difficulties. During delivery, genital warts on the vaginal walls may bleed. They may make it difficult for adequate stretching of the vaginal tissues to occur, or they may block the birth canal.
Sometimes HPV passes from the mother to the baby, and the child is born with warts in the throat. Surgery may be necessary to prevent breathing problems.1‘Genital Warts: HPV, STD, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts,4‘Genital Warts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Nov. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20355234
Preventing Genital Warts
Limiting the number of sexual partners and using condoms during sex may help prevent the development of genital warts. Since condoms don't cover the entire genital area, they don't offer complete protection from HPV infection.
An HPV vaccine is available to help protect people from infection with certain HPV viruses, including those that cause genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for males and females between ages 9 and 45. It's best to receive the vaccine prior to becoming sexually active.1‘Genital Warts: HPV, STD, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4209-genital-warts,2Leslie, Stephen W. ‘Genital Warts.’ StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Feb. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441884,4‘Genital Warts.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Nov. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20355234
Prognosis
Because the HPV virus can remain in the body even after genital warts have cleared up, it's possible for warts to recur. Even if they're asymptomatic, people who've had genital warts in the past may pass the virus to others during sexual contact.
The body's immune system may clear the HPV virus from the body over time, especially if the immune system is kept strong through good nutrition and avoidance of smoking. However, it's best to practice safe sex to prevent possible HPV transmission.7‘Genital Warts Symptoms and Treatments.’ Symptoms & Treatments - Illnesses & Conditions | NHS Inform, www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/genital-warts
