Genital
Warts
Also
known as: Condyloma Acuminata
What is
it?
Genital
warts are growths on or around the genital area – the
vagina, penis, or rectum. Also called condyloma
acuminata.
Who gets
it?
Genital
warts affect sexually active people and are the most
common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Those at
highest risk are people who have multiple sexual
partners and a history of STDs. It is most often
diagnosed in young people between the ages of 19 and
30.
What
causes it?
Genital
warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which
is sexually transmitted. This virus produces
papillomas, which are small, benign (noncancerous)
growths. HPV can be spread through any type of sexual
contact, including oral sex. HPV can also be spread
from a woman to her fetus if she becomes pregnant or
gives birth while infected with this virus.
What are
the symptoms?
Genital
warts are rough-surfaced lumps that appear in warm,
moist areas of the genitals, usually one to six months
after infection. In women, this may be inside the
vagina, on the vaginal walls and on the cervix, as
well as on the skin outside of the vagina. In men,
they usually appear around the opening of the penis.
People who have anal sex and contract HPV are more
likely to develop warts around the anus. Genital warts
can vary in color, from pink to brown, but generally
look like small pink or red growths. They can cluster
together and take on a cauliflower-like appearance.
Genital warts can spread and grow rapidly, especially
in infected pregnant women. Symptoms may include pain,
itching, bleeding, and odor. Genital warts increase
the risk for developing cervical, penile, or anal
cancers.
How is it
diagnosed?
Genital
warts are diagnosed by their appearance and by
examining a scraping of a wart under a microscope.
What is
the treatment?
In some
people, genital warts go away without treatment
because the immune system is able to control the
virus. However, they often come back because the
infection can remain inactive for a period of time,
then flare up again. A topical immunomodulatory cream
has been found to be effective in stimulating the
immune system to fight the virus. The patient can
apply this cream at home. Other topical treatments
include creams containing podophyllum. Topical creams
must be applied for the specified number of weeks or
months to be effective, and need to be reapplied if
the warts return. Warts can also be destroyed with
interferon injections. Very large growths,
particularly those on the urethra or blocking the anus
or vagina, can be removed surgically or with
cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen).
Self-care
tips
Abstaining
from sex is the only way to prevent genital warts. A
condom may not offer complete protection from genital
warts because of their location. If you are sexually
active, be sure you are aware of your partner’s sexual
history. If you have genital warts, inform your
partner. Make sure anyone with whom you have had a
sexual relationship knows about your condition so they
can seek treatment.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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