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The Prognosis for Genital Warts

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, genital warts affect approximately 1 percent of sexually active adults in the United States.

  1. Cause

    • Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are spread through sex or sexual contact.

    Identification

    • Genital warts are small bumps located on the genitals, pubic area, or anus. They are usually flesh-colored and may present in clusters.

    Treatment

    • Doctors prescribe lotions or creams, such as imiquimod and podofilox, to treat genital warts. For larger warts or warts that do not respond to topical treatment, doctors may recommend surgery to remove warts.

    Prognosis

    • Genital warts should go away with treatment, but there is no a cure for the virus that causes them; therefore, the warts may return. HPV can still be passed to sex partners even after treatment. Women should also get Pap smears annually to test for HPV and cervical cancer.

    Considerations

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, females aged 9 to 26 years can receive the HPV vaccine. This vaccine offers protection from genital warts and cervical cancer.

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