Genital Warts

Causes

The warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is spread during oral, genital, or anal sex with a partner who has the virus.

Warts can also be spread to an infant during birth from a mother who has genital warts.

Risk Factors

The warts are more common in young adults.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

• Skin to skin contact with an infected person
• Having more than 1 sex partner
• Sex without condoms
• Sex at an early age
• Prior STIs

Symptoms

The warts often look like fleshy, raised growths. They can have a cauliflower shape and often appear in groups. Some warts may be flat. The warts may not be easy to see. Warts can take 3 weeks to 18 months to appear after the infection.

Warts usually do not cause problems, but a person may have:

• Pain
• Itching
• Burning
• Bleeding or irritation on contact

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A pelvic exam may be done in women. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

A biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no cure. The virus stays in the body.

Treatment depends on the size of the warts and where they are on the body. Not all warts need to be treated. Some may go away on their own, but others may stay. Some warts may also get larger or spread.

Warts may also be removed by:

• A cream, ointment, resin, solution, or acid medicine put on the skin
• Cryosurgery (freezing)
• Electrocautery (burning)
• Laser treatment
• Surgery to remove large warts

The warts may come back after treatment.

Prevention

To lower the risk of genital warts:

• Do not have oral, anal, or genital sex with someone who has HPV.
• Limit sex to 1 partner.
• Use latex condoms during sex.

There is a vaccine for the virus. It is given over 6 months as a series of 3 shots to girls and boys. It is routinely given between the ages of 11 to 12 years old. It may be given between the ages of 9 years to 26 years old.