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What Are Genital Warts?

One of the most common forms of sexually transmitted diseases is genital warts, also referred to as condylomata acuminate or venereal warts. Using a condom and avoiding sexual contact will help to minimize the risk of contracting genital warts. The vaccine, Gardasil, will protect against two strains of viruses responsible for 90 percent of the infections.

  1. Identification

    • Genital warts are small, fleshy bumps that appear in the moist genital region of the body. They can break out into large clusters or have a ragged cauliflower-like diameter shape. In women, they can grow on the vagina walls, on the vulva, or the area between the cervix and anus. On a man, they can grow on the penis, anus or scrotum. An individual who has oral sex with an infected person can have a breakout of genital warts in the mouth or throat.

    Features

    • Genital warts are caused by the same virus associated with cervical cancer, human papillomavirus or HPV. They are highly contagious, and symptoms can include discomfort or itching, along with bleeding during intercourse. Sometimes there are no symptoms, and the warts can be so small they aren't clearly visible. Genital warts can go dormant, yet pregnancy can trigger an infection from dormancy or worsen an active infection.

    Considerations

    • The chances of contracting the human papillomavirus-which causes genital warts-- increases for those who become sexually active at a young age, have sex with multiple partners, have unprotected sex, or have sex with an infected partner. According to the Mayo Clinic, about two-thirds of those who have sexual contact with a person who has genital warts will contact the condition within 3 months. It may take others years for genital warts to develop.

    Effects

    • Genital warts can cause complications during pregnancy. The vaginal tissue's ability to stretch during labor can be restricted by genital warts on the vaginal wall. In rare cases a baby, whose mother has genital warts, can be born with warts in his throat. When this happens, surgery may be required.

    Prevention/Solution

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, 30 percent of genital warts clear up without treatment. Yet they might flare up later. Not all people who are infected require treatment. Medication used to treat genital warts includes: imiquimod, podophyllin and podofilox, and trichloroacetic acid. Never use over-the-counter wart medications on genital warts; this can cause complications. Genital warts can be removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, electrocautery, surgical excision and laser treatments.

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