Symptoms of Genital Warts (HPV)

Genital warts are abnormal skin growths that occur in the anal and genital area of both men and women. Presence of genital warts is an indication that the person is suffering from a sexually transmitted disease. Most people affected by genital warts are usually in the age group of 17-33. Genital warts are contagious and there is a high probability of getting infected through sexual contact with an infected person.

Symptoms of Genital Warts

People suffering from this sexually transmitted infection generally do not show any symptoms. Symptoms may develop within 2-3 months after infection. People with the symptoms mentioned below should avoid any kind of sexual activity and should visit the doctor immediately.

• In some cases, the physical presence of this disease manifests in the form of abnormal fleshy growths that develop in the anal and genital area of both men and women. People with genital warts sometimes complain of painless bumps. Cauliflower shaped lesions, that are either red or pink in color, are seen in the genital area. Lesions generally appear as soft raised masses with finger like projections. If they are small, they are not visible to the naked eye. These bumps can also be large and may appear in groups. They may rapidly expand into a huge mass. In women, they may appear in the vagina or on the vulva. In men, lesions appear in the penis, urethra, rectal and scrotum area.
• Pain and bleeding during sexual intercourse
• An increase in dampness and moisture in the affected area
• Itching and discomfort in the infected area
• Tiny papules are observed on the shaft of the penis
• A burning sensation is experienced in the anal and genital region

Causes of Genital Warts

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to the development of genital warts. There are more than 100 types of HPVs and some of these are capable of infecting the genital area. Mostly, genital warts are caused due to viruses (HPV -6 and -11). Increased sexual contact without protection, indulging in sex at an early age or having multiple sex partners can also cause genital warts. Excessive use of birth control pills has also been linked to the development of genital warts.

The virus can also penetrate the skin through microscopic abrasions that develop in the genital area during sexual intercourse. Once the body cells are attacked by the HPV, the person may show genital warts within 3-4 months. Doctors believe that if genital warts are present, then the virus is active and highly contagious. However, when the warts go away, HPV is still present but is unlikely to spread.

Treatment for Genital Warts

Early diagnosis and treatment is the ideal way to get rid of these genital warts. If treatment is ignored, the warts may become large and spread rapidly. In some cases, genital warts diminish on their own without any treatment. Cryotherapy, in which liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the wart, is a good option as it is effective and has very few side effects. Laser treatment is recommended for recurrent or extensive warts. In this form of treatment, where anesthesia is required, the laser completely destroys the lesions caused due to HPV.

A vaccine has now been developed to protect females from the 2 types of viruses that cause genital warts. For those who prefer to remain sexually active, use of condoms during any sexually activity can decrease the risk of HPV. Having a mutually faithful relationship can also reduce the chances of developing genital warts.