Information From Your Health Care Provider

WARTS, GENITAL

(Condylomata Acuminata; Venereal Warts)

Basic information

description

Genital warts are growths on the genitals caused by a virus. Genital warts often have no symptoms and many people (especially females) do not know they are infected. 30% to 50% of sexually active people in the United States have genital warts. They occur most often in young adults and affect females more than males.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Warts appear on moist surfaces of the genital area. They are thin, flexible, solid raised areas of the skin, growing in stalks or clusters. They are taller than they are wide. They may be tiny or grow in larger masses.
In women, they may be on the inside and outside of the vagina, on the cervix, or around the anus.
Men may have warts on the tip or shaft of the penis or around the anus.
They don't hurt or itch.
Women may have a vaginal discharge.

causes

Genital warts are caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 100 types of HPV have been identified and most are harmless. About 30 types are spread through sexual contact.
Genital warts spread very easily from one person to another. They are spread through oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected person. Genital warts can be transmitted even when there are no visible warts or other symptoms. They have an incubation period of 1 to 6 months. Genital warts are considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

risk increases with

Having other STD.
Having sex with multiple sexual partners or having sex with a partner who has had many sexual partners.
Early age for first sexual intercourse.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Abstinence (no sexual activity) or having sex with one partner known to be disease-free.
Use rubber (latex) condoms during sexual intercourse. They reduce risks, but don't fully prevent HPV.
HPV vaccine for females and males. It protects against HPV strains that cause 90% of genital warts. It is most effective when given before first sexual contact.

expected outcomes

Warts often clear up on their own. Treatment can remove the warts, but the HPV infection remains in the body. Recurrence of warts after treatment is common.

possible complications

Treatment complications are rare, but can occur.
Genital warts do not cause cancer. But, some types of HPV that cause genital warts can also cause, or be a risk factor for, genital cancers.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam including a pelvic exam. A special magnifying instrument may be used to view the affected area. Medical tests may include a Pap smear and tests for other STDs. A biopsy may be done (a skin sample is viewed under a microscope).
Treatment for the warts may or may not be needed. It depends on the size, number of warts, their location, and other factors. Treatment options may include drugs, medical procedures, or surgery.
Warts may be treated with drugs applied to the skin.
Warts may be frozen (cryotherapy), burned (electrocautery), or removed with laser treatment.
Warts that are large and have not responded to other treatment may need to be surgically removed.
Don't pick, squeeze, or scratch the warts.
Pregnant women with genital warts will be examined by their obstetric providers. The possible problems for mother and for the baby and options for treatment will be discussed.

medications

There are several types of drugs that can be used on the warts. Some are applied at a medical office and others can be used at home. Your health care provider will discuss the options and the risks and benefits of each type. Follow instructions carefully if you decide on home treatment.

activity

No limits unless advised by your health care provider.

diet

No special diet.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of genital warts.
The treated area becomes infected (red, swollen, painful, or tender). Warts return after treatment.