Genital Warts

Genital warts (condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are caused by only a few of the many types of HPV. Other common types of HPV infections, such as those that cause warts on the hands and soles of the feet, do not cause genital warts. Genital warts are spread by sexual contact with an infected partner and are very contagious. Approximately two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with a partner with genital warts will develop warts, usually within three months of contact. Scientists estimate that as many as 1 million new cases of genital warts are diagnosed in the United States each year.

In women, the warts occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the cervix(the opening to the uterus), or around the anus. In men, genital warts are less common. If present, they are seen on the tip of the penis; however, they also may be found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. Rarely, genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sexual contact with an infected person. Genital warts often occur in clusters and can be very tiny or can spread into large masses on genital tissues. Left untreated, genital warts often disappear. In other cases, they eventually may develop a fleshy, small raised growth with a cauliflower-like appearance. Because there is no way to predict whether the warts will grow or disappear, however, people who suspect that they have genital warts should be examined and treated, if necessary.

HPV | Genital Warts | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention | Complications

Reprinted from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

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