Genital Warts

Genital Warts (or condyloma) is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) that is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The virus is passed between people during anal, vaginal, and sometimes oral sex also. These are not the same warts that are commonly found on hands and feet.

Genital warts are small, flat, flesh-colored bumps or tiny, cauliflower-like bumps. In men, genital warts may grow on the penis, near the anus or between the penis and the scrotum. In women, genital warts may grow on the vulva and perineal area, in the vagina and on the cervix.

It is rarely found on the mouth too. Genital warts vary in size and may even be so small that you can hardly see them. They can lead to cancer of the penis in men and cancer of the cervix in women.

Genital warts are mostly caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many kinds of HPV. But not all of them cause genital warts.

How do genital warts spread?

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), that spreads by having oral, vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HPV. The only way to prevent genital warts is to not have sex with someone infected. If you are sexually active, having sex only with a partner who doesn't have HPV and who has sex with only you, can lower the risk of genital warts.

If you can't see warts on your partner, it doesn't mean he or she doesn't have HPV. Many people develop warts that cannot be seen.

Using condoms may prevent you from catching HPV from someone who has it. However, condoms can't always cut down all the risk.

Are genital warts serious?

Warts can sometimes be serious. For most people, warts are only a bother, and are treated if they like. If a woman has warts on the cervix (opening to the womb), it can be a problem. Men and women who have warts on or inside the anus should have an exam done every year.

What can I do if I have genital warts?

Be sure to see a doctor
Your sex partner should also be treated.
If you are pregnant, tell your clinician.
Avoid sex with multiple partners
If you have sex, it is always a good idea to use a condom to avoid getting STDs.
However, condom use, does not provide 100% protection from the wart virus.

How are genital warts diagnosed?

If you notice warts in your genital area, go and see your doctor. Your doctor may be able to diagnose the warts just by examining you. For women, a Pap test can help detect changes on the cervix that genital warts may cause.

Can genital warts be treated?

Yes. Genital warts can be treated by your doctor. Do not try to treat the warts yourself.

How are genital warts removed?

One way of removing warts is to freeze them in a procedure called cryotherapy. The warts can also be taken off with a laser.
A treatment called the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) can also be used to remove the warts. In this method, a sharp instrument shaped like a loop is passed underneath the wart and the wart is cut out of the skin.
Special chemicals may also be used to remove the warts. These chemicals dissolve warts in the genital area. The chemicals are applied to the area a number of times over a period of several weeks before the treatment is complete.
Chemicals that you buy at the store to remove warts from your hands or legs, should not be used for genital warts. They can make your genital skin sore.

What if You don't get genital warts treated?

Genital warts can grow if you do not get them treated on time. If you are sexually active, you also risk infecting your partner.

Certain kinds of HPV can cause abnormal cells to grow on the cervix. Sometimes, these cells tend to become cancerous if left untreated. Other kinds of HPV can also cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus or penis.

Will the warts come back?

The warts can be removed, but the viral infection cannot be cured. The virus stays with you. This is why the warts often return after they have been removed. And you may need to have them removed more than once.

How can you avoid getting genital warts?

Having sex with a single partner and Life-long mutual monogamy
Use of condoms and spermicides
Getting your partner and yourself examined at the doctor to see if there are warts that are not visible

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