Of all warts, 30% will subside within the first four months of infection.
A genital wart is a type of sexually transmitted disease appearing in various sizes and shapes. Some people get a few warts, whereas some get many.
The most common signs of genital warts are as follows:
- Small skin-colored or darker bumps
- A cluster of bumps resembling a cauliflower
- Raised or flat and smooth or rough bumps
Genital warts often have no symptoms. Some people develop warts that are itchy and painful, burn, or bleed.
In men, genital warts can appear on the
- penis
- scrotum
- thigh
In women, genital warts are found on the
- vulva (external female genitals),
- vagina, and
- cervix.
In both men and women, genital warts can appear
- on the groin
- in the mouth or throat
- in or around the anus
What causes genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by the spread of human papillomavirus (HPV) from one infected person to a noninfected person. This happens during
- Sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral).
- Genital contact (when people's genitals touch).
- Childbirth (from an infected mother to baby)
Warts may not appear until weeks or months after sex with an infected person.
Who gets genital warts?
Those who get genital warts include:
- Anyone who has sex: Sexually active people are more likely to get human papillomavirus (HPV). It is most common in young people (less than 30 years old).
- People with a weakened immune system:
- People who have cancer
- People who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- People who are on some medicines, such as those to prevent rejection of the transplanted organs
- Smokers: It is not clear why people who smoke are more likely to get genital warts than people who do not.
- A child who has been just delivered by an infected mother: An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth.
Every person who gets an HPV infection does not always get genital warts. Most people never develop these warts because of their strong immunity.
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowHow are genital warts diagnosed?
Genital warts are usually diagnosed after the doctor examines genital growths. However, because of awkwardness and embarrassment, patients do not consult their doctors for genital growths/problems. Getting diagnosed properly and seeking early treatment can make these patients be at peace.
After taking the medical history, including the patient’s sexual history and examining the genital growths, the diagnosis of genital warts becomes almost certain. To confirm their diagnosis, the doctor can order diagnostic tests that include:
- Tissue biopsy: The doctor removes the wart or a small part of it and sends for examination in a laboratory. It may be done by anoscopy or colposcopy.
- Anoscopy: A tube-like camera called an anoscope may be inserted into the anus to visualize warts beyond the visible skin.
- Colposcopy: A tube-like instrument called a colposcope is inserted into the vagina to visualize warts inside the vagina and cervix.
Once the doctor confirms that the patient has genital warts, all of the patient’s sex partners should also be examined for the infection.
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Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Genital Warts Pictures
A wart in the moist skin of the genitals or around the anus. See a picture of Genital Warts (HPV) and learn more about the health topic.
Genital Warts (HPV) Infection in Women
Genital warts is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts look like raised, flesh-colored lumps. Learn about symptoms, transmission, and treatment.
How Does a Man Know if He Has HPV?
What is HPV, and what does it look like in men? Learn how to recognize HPV, when to see your doctor for HPV, and how to prevent and treat HPV in men.How Long Do Genital Warts Last?
Genital wart is an infectious skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The medical term for genital warts is ‘condyloma acuminata,’ and it is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Is It Genital Warts or Skin Tags?
How do I know if I have genital warts or skin tags? Learn about each condition and how to tell the difference. The 10 most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States include human papillomavirus (HPV), trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and more. STDs (STIs) are most likely to be spread by sexual contact including vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Warts (Common Warts)
Common warts are skin growths causes by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of warts, including plantar warts, common hand warts, warts under the nails, mosaic wars, and flat warts. Over-the-counter treatments typically involve the use of salicylic acid products.
Types of Warts
Plantar warts, genital warts, common warts, flat warts, and filiform warts are caused by infection with members of the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. The main symptom of a wart is a fleshy growth. Most warts resolve within a few months to 2 years. A weak immune system may be a risk factor for warts in the genital region and elsewhere.
What Is the Fastest Way To Get Rid of Genital Warts?
Genital warts or HPV (human papillomavirus) are very common. There is no cure but there are fast treatments to help get rid of them. Learn what they are. If you need to get tested for STDs but would rather not go to the doctor, you can test yourself using an at-home STD test.
What Is the Best Over-the-Counter Wart Remover?
Warts or verruca vulgaris are one of the most common dermatological complaints. The best over-the-counter wart removers contain salicylic acid or liquid butane.
What Should I Do After a Vulvar Biopsy?
A vulvar biopsy is a surgical procedure where a small piece of tissue is extracted from the vulva. A vulvar biopsy is performed on discolored areas, lumps, sores and genital warts that don't heal. After a vulvar biopsy, follow instructions to keep the area clean and dry, do not wash the biopsy region for 12 hours and apply direct pressure on the site if it bleeds.