Warts are caused by viruses and can appear anywhere on the body. Those that show up in the genital area are caused by the human papillomavirus, commonly called HPV, and are easily transmitted by sexual contact.
HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease in North America and certain forms of the virus can cause cervical and penile cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at least 50% of sexually active men and women will get a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.
After a person has been infected, it may take one to three months (or longer in some cases) for warts to appear. Some people who have been infected never get warts. If you think you have been infected, see your doctor, even if you cannot see warts.
What Do Genital Warts Look Like?
Genital warts look like small flesh-colored, pink or red growths in or around the sex organs. The warts may look similar to the small parts of a cauliflower or they may be very tiny and difficult to see. They often appear in clusters of three or four, and may grow and spread rapidly. They usually are not painful, although they may cause mild pain, bleeding and itching.
How Do I Know If I Have Genital Warts?
Like many STDs, HPV does not always have visible symptoms. But when symptoms do occur, warts may be seen around the genital area. In women, warts can develop on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the cervix (the opening to the uterus), or around the anus. In men, they may be seen on the tip of the penis, the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. Genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected person.
Because there is no way to predict whether the warts will grow or disappear, people who suspect that they have been infected should be examined and treated, if necessary.
What Tests Are Used to Detect Genital Warts?
Your doctor may perform the following tests to check for genital warts:
Tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis are taken because STDs often occur together and share similar symptoms. Sometimes female patients are referred to a gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health) for further testing and biopsy.
How Are Genital Warts Treated?
Unfortunately, no treatment can kill the virus that causes the warts. Your doctor can remove the warts with laser therapy or by freezing or applying chemicals. Some prescription treatments are available for at home use. Surgery may be necessary for warts that are large or difficult to treat. Still, recurrence remains a problem. You may need to return to your doctor for more treatment.
What Should I Do While I Have the Warts?
If you have genital warts:
What Happens If I Don't Get Treated?
Unfortunately, despite treatment, having HPV can increase your risk of cervical cancer or cancer of the penis. But not all forms of the virus are associated with these cancers. If you have genital warts, it is important to get annual check-ups to screen for cervical or penile cancer.
How Can I Prevent Infection?
Your best bet at preventing infection is to abstain from sex or limit sexual contact to one uninfected person. If that is not an option, condoms may provide some protection, but condoms are not 100% effective since they do not cover the entire penis or surrounding areas.
Vaccines against HPV are currently being studied and are showing great promise in reducing infections. If investigations continue to demonstrate safety and effectiveness, a vaccine may be available within the year for widespread public use.
For More Information
Contact the CDC National STD Hotline: 1 (800) CDC-INFO (232-4636)
Next: Gonorrhea >
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Infectious Disease Department.
Edited by Tracy Shuman, MD, WebMD, February 2006.
SOURCES: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. WebMD Medical News, "Vaccine May Prevent Cervical Cancer.
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