Genital Warts: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They do not cause any symptoms or may cause only mild symptoms like itching. They are treatable, and many people recover without long-term health problems.

What Are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are small, soft growths or bumps that develop on the skin around the genital or anal area. They are caused by low-risk HPV types, mainly HPV types 6 and 11, which account for about 90% of genital wart cases. These types generally do not cause cancer.

Although genital warts can be uncomfortable or embarrassing, they are not cancerous and do not become cancerous. However, they do indicate an HPV infection, so it's important to seek medical advice.

What Causes Genital Warts?

Genital warts are caused by infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV spreads through skin-to-skin sexual contact, including:

• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• Intimate genital contact without penetration

The virus enters the body through tiny breaks in the skin or mucous membranes.

Most people become infected with HPV shortly after becoming sexually active, although many never develop visible warts.

What Do Genital Warts Look Like?

Genital warts vary in appearance. They may be:

• Small flesh-colored bumps
• White or pink growths
• Raised or flat
• Single or multiple
• Smooth or rough
• Cauliflower-like clusters

Sometimes they are so tiny that they cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Where Do Genital Warts Appear?

In Women

Genital warts may develop on the:

• Vulva
• Labia
• Vaginal opening
• Inside the vagina
• Cervix
• Perineum
• Around the anus

In Men

They may appear on the:

• Penis
• Scrotum
• Groin
• Around the anus
• Thighs

In Both Men and Women

Rarely, warts may develop in the:

• Mouth
• Lips
• Tongue
• Throat

This usually occurs after oral sexual contact with an infected partner.

What are the Symptoms of Genital Warts?

Many people with genital warts have no pain or discomfort. Others may experience:

• Small bumps in the genital area
• Itching
• Burning sensation
• Mild pain
• Bleeding during intercourse
• Increased moisture around the warts
• Cosmetic concerns

Some people discover the warts only during a routine medical examination.

How Long After HPV Infection Do Warts Appear?

The incubation period varies. Genital warts may appear within a few weeks or after several months . Sometimes , they may appear years after infection

This delay makes it difficult to know exactly when or from whom the infection was acquired. It is also possible to have the virus and not get genital warts. You might not know if you have warts inside your anus or inside your vagina.

Are Genital Warts Contagious?

Yes.Genital warts are highly contagious, especially when visible warts are present.

HPV spreads through:

• Direct genital contact
• Vaginal intercourse
• Anal intercourse
• Oral sex
• Sharing sex toys without proper cleaning

Even if no visible warts are present, HPV can still spread.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Anyone who is sexually active can develop genital warts.

Your risk increases if you:

• Have multiple sexual partners
• Have unprotected sex
• Start sexual activity at a young age
• Have another sexually transmitted infection
• Smoke
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have HIV infection

How Are Genital Warts Diagnosed?

A doctor can usually diagnose genital warts by examining the affected area.

Additional tests may include:

• Pelvic examination
• Pap smear
• HPV testing
• Biopsy (rarely needed if the diagnosis is uncertain)

Women with genital warts should continue regular cervical cancer screening as recommended.

How can Genital Warts be treated?

Genital warts may go away on their own because your immune system can fight off the infection that causes it. However, they may get larger, multiply or become increasingly uncomfortable. Although there is no cure for HPV itself, several treatments can remove visible warts and relieve symptoms.

Medications

Topical medicines can be used to destroy the warts. These creams or lotions need to be applied for over a long period of time before the warts disappear. The chemical causes blisters to form under the warts, stopping blood flow. 

These creams can be applied at the doctor’s office or you can apply them yourself at home. Over-the-counter wart removers meant for hands or feet should not be used on genital warts. Commonly used ones are :

• Imiquimod cream
• Podophyllotoxin solution
• Trichloroacetic acid

Surgical Procedures

Warts can also be removed by medical or surgical procedures,especially larger or persistent warts . The treatment time is faster and can be done in the doctor’s office. Small warts can be removed in a single sitting. Different procedure to treat genital warts are:

1. Cryotherapy - Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen.
2. Electrocautery - Burning the wart using electrical current.
3. Surgical Removal - Cutting away the wart under local anesthesia.
4. Laser Treatment – The laser light destroys tiny blood vessels inside warts, cutting off their blood supply.Useful for extensive or difficult-to-treat genital warts.
5. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): The LEEP I used to remove warts from the cervix. An electrically charged wire loop cuts away the warts

Your doctor will recommend the best option based on the size, number, and location of the warts.

Can Genital Warts Come Back?

Yes. Genital warts can come back.

Treatment removes the warts, but it does not completely eliminate HPV from the body.

Recurrence is common during the first few months after treatment because the virus may remain inactive in nearby skin cells.

Over time, most healthy immune systems suppress the virus naturally.

Can I get genital warts more than once?

Yes. There’s no cure for HPV, the virus that causes genital warts. As a result, you can get genital warts over and over again.

Can Genital Warts Cause Cancer?

The HPV types that cause genital warts (HPV 6 and 11) are considered low-risk and rarely cause cancer.

However, people can be infected with more than one HPV type at the same time. High-risk HPV types such as HPV 16 and 18 are linked to cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and throat cancers.

Regular screening remains important, especially for women.

Can Genital Warts cause complications?

Genital warts generally don’t cause any serious health complications. There may occasionally be itching or discomfort. The strain of HPV that cause genital warts is low-risk. The HPV strains that cause cancer aren’t the same ones that cause genital warts.

How Can I Prevent Genital Warts?

Several simple steps can significantly reduce your risk of getting HPV .

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the HPV types responsible for most genital warts and many HPV-related cancers. Vaccination is recommended for:

• Boys and girls aged 9–14 years
• Teenagers
• Young adults upto age 26 years
• Immunocompromised people, for example, people with HIV or other chronic diseases
• Some adults up to age 45 after discussing the benefits with their healthcare provider

Practice Safer Sex

• Use condoms consistently.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.
• Avoid sexual contact if visible genital warts are present.
• Discuss STI testing with new partners.

Although condoms reduce the risk, they do not provide complete protection because HPV can infect uncovered skin.

Boost Your Immune System

Maintaining good overall health may help your immune system control HPV.

Helpful habits include:

• Eating a balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Avoiding smoking
• Managing stress

How do you stop genital warts from spreading?

There are a few things you can do to help genital warts from spreading to your partner:

• Always use condoms or dental dams during sex.
• Avoid sex when you have a visible wart.
• Tell your partner you have genital warts before engaging in sexual activity.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice:

• New bumps around your genitals
• Persistent itching
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Painful genital growths
• Your partner has genital warts
• An abnormal Pap smear
• Any unexplained genital skin changes

Early diagnosis allows prompt treatment and helps reduce transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can genital warts disappear on their own?

Yes. In some people, the immune system clears the infection, and the warts disappear without treatment in about two years. However, medical evaluation is still recommended.

Are genital warts painful?

Most genital warts are painless, although some people experience itching, irritation, or mild discomfort.

Can I have HPV without genital warts?

Yes. Most HPV infections cause no visible symptoms.

Can I have children if I have genital warts?

Yes. Most people with genital warts can have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Your doctor will advise you if treatment is needed during pregnancy.

Can genital warts return after treatment?

Yes. Recurrence is possible because HPV may remain dormant in the skin even after the visible warts have been removed.

Advice

Genital warts are a common and treatable condition caused by certain types of HPV. While they can be distressing, they rarely lead to serious health problems.

If you notice any unusual bumps or growths around your genital area, don't ignore them, contact us at www.ariesobgynclinic.com.

As a Gynecologist in Guwahati, we can provide checkup and management of your Genital warts.