Genital Warts Signs

Genital warts or condyloma is a condition, which is characterized by skin growths in and around the genital area of both men and women. Genital warts are caused by some strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which spread through direct skin to skin contact, during oral, genital or anal sex, with an infected person. In short, it is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, which is also highly contagious. There are many different strains of HPV, but, genital warts are caused by strains 6, 11, 30, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52 and 54 of HPV. However, almost 90% of genital warts are found to be caused by types 6 and 11. It is said that only a few HPV infected people develop genital warts, but, they can transmit the virus through sexual contact. It is also contended that almost 70% of the people infected with HPV, develop genital warts. It is still a much debated topic. This article is about genital warts signs and symptoms.

Signs of Genital Warts

As mentioned earlier, HPV infection may or may not cause genital warts, but, in both cases, the infected people can spread the infection. While, some of the HPV infected people develop genital warts within two to four weeks of infection, it may take some months or years, in others. As the name implies, these warts develop in and around the genital area. In some rare cases, these warts may also appear in the mouth and throat of the person, who has had oral sex with an infected person. Early genital warts signs may or may not appear in the infected people. However, beginning signs of genital warts include itching, redness, burning sensation, soreness and dampness of the affected area. These warts may appear as small flesh-colored bumps in the genital area and may change the looks, as they grow. It can be single or in clusters. While some genital warts are completely flat, others resemble cauliflowers in shape.

In case of men, genital warts develop on the tip or shaft of the penis, in the scrotum or in and around the anus. Women may develop genital warts in the walls of vagina, cervix, on vulva, anus, near the urethra, etc. It can also develop in and around the external genitals and near the anus. As mentioned earlier, genital warts may also develop in the mouth or throat. Genital warts signs in women may include pain during intercourse, pain during urination and lower back pain. Some women may also experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly after intercourse. As the above said symptoms can be associated with a variety of ailments, it is always better to approach a doctor for correct diagnosis. As the warts may spread rapidly, the condition has to be treated at the beginning stages itself. One of the serious complications of genital warts is cancer. Though, it is not that common, studies show that there is a link between genital warts and certain types of cancer, like, cervical cancer, cancer of vulva, anus and penis. You may also read more about HPV Transmission Facts.

In some cases, genital warts disappear without any treatment. Even though, HPV infection cannot be completely cured, timely treatment can control the infection. Treatment for genital warts include both medications and surgical procedures. While small warts are often treated with medications, large ones need surgical removal. Surgical treatments include cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser treatments, etc. However, it is always better to prevent the infection by avoiding unprotected sex with multiple partners and abstaining from sex at a young age. In case of any genital warts signs, it is better to seek medical attention, rather than trying over-the-counter medications or home remedies.