Before we begin: Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Learn about what they look like, prevention, and treatment.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about genital warts. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What are genital warts? Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other types of HPV can cause cancer.
There is no treatment for HPV, but your health care provider can treat genital warts. HPV vaccines may help prevent some of the HPV infections that cause genital warts.
Who is at risk for genital warts? If you are sexually active, you can get genital warts during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. You can still get genital warts even if they are so small that you can’t see them.
It doesn’t happen often, but genital warts can also be spread from a woman to her baby during childbirth.
What are the symptoms of genital warts? Genital warts are often painless and may not cause any symptoms. You might not even know that you have them. Sometimes, they can also cause itching, burning, bleeding, or discomfort.
The warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area. They are flesh-colored and can be flat or look bumpy like cauliflower.
How are genital warts diagnosed? Your provider can usually find out if you have genital warts by seeing them during a physical exam or pelvic exam. In women, the warts usually occur in or around the vagina, on the cervix, or around the anus. Men may have warts on the tip of the penis, around the anus, or on the scrotum, thigh, or groin.
What are the treatments for genital warts? The warts might disappear on their own, stay the same, or grow bigger or increase in number. A few ways that your provider can treat them include:
Use medicines, cream, or ointment
Remove them by burning, freezing, or cutting out the warts
HPV stays in your body even after treatment. This means that warts can come back, and you can still spread HPV to others after genital warts are removed.
Can genital warts be prevented? Getting an HPV vaccine may help prevent genital warts. HPV vaccines provide the most protection if you get them before exposure to the virus. This means that it’s best to get vaccinated before becoming sexually active. If you’re over age 26 and haven’t been vaccinated, talk with your provider about the possible benefits of vaccination.
Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading HPV. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. The best way to avoid infection is not to have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health
Also known as: Condylomata acuminata, Venereal warts.
Related topics: Condylomata Acuminata, Venereal Warts.
Categories: Infections, Sexual Health Issues, Female Reproductive System, Male Reproductive System.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Key Takeaways
Understanding genital warts is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.