Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by
Human papillomavirus
and are noncancerous
66% of first-time
genital warts cases
occur in people under 26.
In the United States, about 1%
of sexually active
adults have genital warts
Treatment is recommended to
prevent genital warts
from spreading to other areas.

Genital warts are transmitted through sexual contact with someone who is infected with the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. While genital warts are not cancerous, they can cause extreme discomfort, and have potential for complications. If you suspect you have genital warts, a Forefront provider can offer solutions for treatment.

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are warts that appear in the genital areas in both women and men. They are transmitted via sexual contact. Though there are over 40 strains of HPV, almost all genital warts are caused by strains 6 and 11, which are associated with the occurrence of warts in other moist areas of the body, such as the nasal passages, the mouth and the larynx.

Though not usually painful, genital warts have the potential for other complications. Research has shown a link between genital HPV infection and the occurrence of cervical cancer. Another complication can occur during pregnancy when warts on the vaginal wall inhibit the elasticity of the vaginal tissue during childbirth.

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What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Genital warts look like common warts that appear elsewhere on the body. They are small, round, bumpy, and rough; similar to the look of cauliflower, and there can be just one or a cluster.

In men, they appear most often on the tip or shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, and in or on the anus. Women may discover genital warts on the vulva, the vaginal walls, between the anus and the vagina, and the cervix. Genital warts may also be transmitted into or around the mouth through oral sex.

Other symptoms of genital warts include bleeding during intercourse and/or itching in the genital area.

Who gets genital warts?

Genital warts are highly contagious, and at least 50 percent of all sexually active people will become infected with genital HPV in their lifetime. Women are at a slightly higher risk of contracting genital warts than are men. There are several circumstances that can increase the chances of contracting genital warts, including:

  • Unprotected intercourse with multiple partners
  • Intercourse with someone who is infected with HPV
  • Initiating sexual activity at a relatively young age

How are genital warts diagnosed?

Dermatologists can usually recognize external genital warts upon examination. If the bumps are very small, your provider may use a magnifying glass to identify them. Some genital warts resemble another condition such as skin tags, seborrheic keratosis, molluscum contagiosum, genital herpes, condyloma lata (syphilis), and even ingrown hairs. To verify a diagnosis, your doctor may remove one of the bumps to biopsy it.

If you are exhibiting symptoms of internal genital warts, such as bleeding during sex, your provider will perform a pelvic exam and possibly a Pap test. With a Pap test, the doctor collects a sample of cells from your cervix to examine under a microscope.

Does HPV cause cancer?

Most HPV viruses don’t cause cancer, but some HPV strains can increase the risk of getting cancer. HPV 16 and 18 can cause cervical, anal, and other cancers, and can coexist with genital warts. For this reason, it’s essential to see a provider right away if you have genital warts.

Is it possible to prevent genital warts?

Condoms help prevent the spread of HPV, but they can’t fully prevent genital warts because skin that is not covered can be infected.

It is recommended that girls and boys get the HPV vaccine at age 11 to 12 years, before they become sexually active. The vaccine helps the immune system fight off genital warts and other forms of HPV that can cause cancer.

Treatment options for genital warts

Genital warts may go away on their own as the body’s immune system fights off the HPV virus. Often, however, the warts multiply without treatment. Removal is the best way to ensure they don’t spread to other parts of the body. Your Forefront provider will discuss the best options for getting rid of or reducing your genital warts. Treatment may include:

  • Prescription topical medications such as Imiquimod, Podophyllin, podofilox, and Trichloroacetic acid that stop blood flow to the warts.
  • Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
  • Electrocautery, which burns off genital warts
  • Surgery, for warts that are especially large or that don’t respond to other treatments.

It’s important to keep in mind that having genital warts removed does not cure HPV. You can still spread HPV to sexual partners even if there are no current outbreaks.

Who can treat genital warts?

Dermatologists at Forefront are experts in treating all skin conditions, including warts. Our providers will take time to discuss your symptoms, perform a thorough examination, and offer solutions to improve your comfort level. To make an appointment, find a Forefront location near you now.

Interested in Genital Warts? Request a consultation with a skin specialist today.

*Treatment options may vary at each location.
Please confirm your desired treatment is offered at your preferred location when scheduling. *Age Restriction.
For patients scheduling who are under 18 years of age (19 in Alabama and Nebraska) please make sure you have permission from your parent or legal guardian to schedule this appointment.  Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you on your initial visit and on certain subsequent visits to provide appropriate informed consent.

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