Confirming Genital Wart Symptoms and Starting Treatment

Genital warts, often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are a visible indicator of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects both men and women.

Common symptoms include small, skin-colored bumps or clusters that may be itchy or cause discomfort. In males, genital warts can appear on the penis, scrotum, or groin area, while in females, they can develop on the vulva, cervix, or vaginal walls.

This article will explain genital wart symptoms, what they mean, and how to treat them.

Could I Have Genital Warts?

A diagnosis of genital warts involves examining the genital area for any unusual growths, bumps, or changes in skin texture. Your healthcare provider can help distinguish genital warts from other similar-looking conditions, such as:

• Skin tags are small, soft skin growths that have been described as looking "like a deflated balloon on a stalk." They are usually harmless and not sexually transmitted.
  
• Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that can cause small, round bumps on the skin. Like genital warts, molluscum contagiosum can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
  
• Fordyce spots are small, raised, yellowish or skin-colored bumps that can appear on the genitals or other parts of the body. They are a type of sebaceous gland and are not caused by STIs.
  
• Pearly penile papules are, in males, small, noncancerous, dome-shaped bumps that can appear on the penis. They usually occur during adolescence or early adulthood and are not related to sexually transmitted infections.
  
• Seborrheic keratosis are noncancerous growths that can appear on the skin as white, brown, or black and like warty, stuck-on lesions. They are more common in older adults and are not sexually transmitted.

Also, some STIs, such as herpes and syphilis, may appear similar to genital warts but need different treatment.

If you notice any unusual growths or changes in your genital area, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis. They can help differentiate between genital warts and other conditions.

Symptoms in Women

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

See Photo

Understanding the symptoms of genital warts in women is crucial for early detection and proper management. Below are key characteristics of genital warts that women may experience:

• Location: Genital warts can appear in various locations around the genital area, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, perineum, and around the anus.
• Appearance: They typically manifest as small, skin-colored, or slightly darker bumps that may be raised or flat. These warts can occur singly or in clusters and have a cauliflower-like or rough texture.
• Sensation: Genital warts often cause no physical discomfort. However, some women may experience itching or irritation around affected areas.

Symptoms in Men 

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

See Photo

In both men and women, genital wart symptoms can take several weeks, months, or even years to show up. They also tend to appear similarly in men and women. Below are key characteristics outlining the symptoms of genital warts in men:

• Location: Genital warts can appear on various parts of the male genitalia, including the penis, scrotum, groin area, and around the anus.
• Appearance: They typically manifest as small, skin-colored, or darker bumps that may be raised or flat. These warts can occur singly or in clusters and have a cauliflower-like or rough texture.
• Sensation: Genital warts may not cause any physical discomfort. As in women, men may experience itching, irritation, or a burning sensation around the wart-affected areas.

It is important to remember that both men and women can have the HPV virus and not have genital wart symptoms. But they can still transmit the virus to others during sexual contact.

What Do Genital Warts Mean?

Genital warts are small growths or bumps that appear on the genital area as a result of an HPV infection. You can get genital warts from vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. Genital warts can vary in size and appearance, often resembling cauliflower-like clusters, and are considered a type of STI.

Warts can sometimes go away on their own, but treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and to alleviate symptoms.

In most cases (nine out of 10), HPV naturally clears from the body within two years without causing health issues but can develop into genital warts or even cancer.

Cancer Risk 

HPV increases the risk of developing certain types of cancers. These cancers can grow very slowly and may not result in a diagnosis for many years or decades later.

About 10% of women with HPV infection on their cervix develop longer-lasting HPV infections that put them at higher risk for cervical cancer. For men, HPV can also lead to penile cancers.

HPV infections that don't go away can also cause anal and oropharyngeal (cancer in the back of the throat) in both men and women.

Recurring Symptoms 

The human papillomavirus can remain in the body even after treatment, which increases the recurrence of genital warts. It's essential for individuals with a history of genital warts to maintain regular follow-ups with healthcare providers and take preventive measures to manage the risk of recurrence.

How to Treat Genital Warts

It's important to note that no treatment can completely cure HPV, but treatments can help manage and remove visible warts. There are several treatments available for genital warts, including:

• Topical treatments: Over-the-counter creams or gels containing ingredients like imiquimod, podofilox, or sinecatechins can be applied directly to the warts to help eliminate them.
• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the warts using liquid nitrogen, which causes them to fall off.
• Electrocautery: Warts can be removed using a low-voltage electrical current to burn them off.
• Surgical removal: In some cases, warts may need to be surgically removed, especially if they are large or not responding to other treatments.
• Laser treatment: This involves using a laser to destroy the warts.

Sexual Health and Genital Warts

Genital warts are primarily caused by infection with certain strains of HPV, which is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Anyone can get genital warts, but some of the main risk factors for developing them are:

• Unprotected sex, since the correct use of condoms can minimize (but not completely eliminate) the risk of HPV
• Having multiple sexual partners, which can increase the risk of exposure to HPV
• A weakened immune system since individuals with weakened immune systems due to infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or taking immunosuppressive drugs are more susceptible to HPV infections and more severe or persistent genital warts
• Starting sexual activity at a young age, which can increase the risk of HPV exposure

It's important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of developing genital warts, not everyone exposed to HPV will develop visible warts. Some individuals may be carriers of the virus without showing any symptoms.

Preventing genital warts involves adopting proactive measures, including:

• Consistent condom use
• Dental dams
• Limiting sexual partners
• Regular STI screenings
• HPV vaccination
• Open communication with sexual partners about sexual health history, STI testing, and protection methods
  

The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent infection with certain strains of HPV, specifically those associated with genital warts and various cancers such as cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancers.

By providing immunity against these high-risk HPV types, the vaccine helps protect individuals from developing HPV-related health issues.

Summary

Genital warts are caused by HPV, which is a type of STI. Recognizing the symptoms, seeking prompt diagnosis and treatment, and adopting preventive measures such as regular STI screenings and HPV vaccination are crucial steps in managing genital warts and maintaining sexual health.

Open communication with healthcare providers and sexual partners can further enhance awareness and prevention efforts against HPV and its associated health risks. If you or a loved one has symptoms of genital warts, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options right for you.