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.
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerHow 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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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 in Men (HPV)
The HPV virus (genital warts) in men can cause health problems. Genital warts are confined primarily to the moist skin of the genitals or around the anus. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which are transmitted through sexual contact.
Genital Warts (HPV) Infection in Women
Genital warts is a sexually transmitted infection (STI, STD) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is the most common STD in the US. The warts can appear anywhere on the skin where sexual contact has occurred.
The warts look like raised, flesh-colored lumps or bumps that have a cauliflower-like appearance. Signs and symptoms of genital warts in women include vaginal, vulva, or groin pain, itching, and burning where the wart(s) is.
Treatment can remove warts or lesions, but it does not prevent spread of the virus, and the warts usually grow back. Removing genital warts does not prevent the infection from spreading elsewhere on the body.
There is no cure for genital warts, and there is no vaccine to prevent them; however, there is a vaccine to prevent infection from four common types of HPV. Gardasil vaccine available for female adolescents and teens to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer.
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).
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.