Genital Warts

Overview:

Also known as Condyloma or venereal warts, genital warts are pink to flesh coloured growths found in the anal & genital area. They are caused by the highly contagious human papilloma virus (HPV).

There are over 100 types of HPV that affect different parts of the body. Around 30 of these cause genital warts. They are named papillomas because some cause papillomas (warts), which are benign tumours of the epithelial tissue. Of the strains to cause genital warts, HPV, types HPV 6 and HPV 11 are responsible for 90% of cases.

Transmission occurs via direct skin to skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral intercourse. The virus is able to penetrate the skin & mucous membranes via tiny abrasions that develop during intercourse. There may be a long period of time between exposure to the virus & symptoms appearing, if they show at all.

Many people with genital warts will  display no symptoms whatsoever (known as subclinical infection) & an infected person may be completely unaware they have the infection, but are still infectious to others. Also, the warts may be located inside the vagina or on the cervix in women, which can result in her being  unaware she has them. 

There is no cure for genital warts, once you have it, you have it for life. However, some people will manage to keep the virus in check.

Genital warts symptoms:

As mentioned above, a lot of people will not experience symptoms at all.  After intercourse with an infected partner, there may be a latency period of months or even years before symptoms occur.

Symptoms may not  but common symptoms of genital warts include;

• Painless, pink or flesh coloured warts  around &/or inside the vagina, cervix & anus in females & in males they may be on the penis, scrotum, anus or inner thighs.

• Warts may either appear in clusters, with a cauliflower type appearance or just one. They may be small or large, raised or flat.

• Itching & or pain in the area. Pain may become worse during or after intercourse.

• Bleeding after intercourse.

Diagnosis of genital warts:

If you suspect you have genital warts it is important to see your doctor. They will need to inspect the area for signs of warts. They may put a weak vinegar solution on any lumps which will turn white if they are warts.

Many women don't know they are infected with HPV until they return an abnormal pap smear. Which is why it is so important to have regular pap smears.

Genital warts treatment:

Treatment involves removal of the warts by your doctor. There are several different methods to remove warts which include;

• Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off the warts.

• Laser: Lasers are used to remove the warts.

• Surgical excision:

• Chemical paint: This is painted directly onto the wart.

Don't try over the counter wart removal treatments as these are too strong to use on the genital area.

While the warts can be removed, the virus can not be will remain.  Warts may reappear after treatment.

HPV & cervical cancer:

Some types of HPV are linked to cancer. These are known as oncogenic, or carcinogenic HPVs. Types 16 & 18 are two examples of high risk HPV's & 6 & 11 low risk.

In time (usually 2-3 years), your immune system will clear the virus. However, some women don't clear the virus which can lead to the development of abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells on the cervix. Over time, these may develop into cervical cancer.

It is important for all women to have regular pap smears which can detect  early cellular changes.

There is now a 'cervical vaccine' available, your doctor can give you more information on this vaccine.

Also see:

Bacterial Vaginosis, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Pubic Lice, Thrush

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctor visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate medical advice for any problems.

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.