Genital warts are single or multiple bumps that appear in the genital areas (labia, penis, anus and rectum) of men and women.
About Genital Warts
Genital warts are viral lesions that look like small growths, technically known as condyloma, and are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Genital warts can be found on both men and women and are generally passed between sexual partners.
What is HPV?
Human papiloma virus is a wart virus passed on through genital contact most often during vaginal and anal sex and in some cases oral sex. Men and women can get HPV and pass it on without realizing it because HPV usually causes no symptoms.
It is very important to get checked for HPV because some types of HPV can cause genital warts while other types can cause cervical cancer in women and penile and anal cancer in men. Oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of throat including base of tongue and tonsils) can occur in both men and women.
How Do You Get Genital Warts?
Genital warts are very contagious and can be spread during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner.
Genital Warts in Men
Certain types of HPV infect the genital areas of men, including the skin on and around the penis or anus. They can also infect the mouth and throat. Below are some types of genital wart symptoms in men:
Genital Warts in Women
Certain types of HPV infect the genital areas of women and they can also infect the mouth and throat. Below are some types of genital wart symptoms in women:
Our Skin specialists offer different treatment mordalities for genital warts depending on factors such as the size and location of the genital warts. Different treatments include medication, surgical removal, or cryotherapy (frozen off). The warts often need multiple treatments for complete resolution.
The treatment for genital warts will only relieve sufferers of the symptoms and discomfort brought on by the virus. However, it will not eliminate HPV from their system and may not lower the chances of passing HPV onto a sex partner since no cure for it has been found.
Why Should Genital Warts Be Treated?
Early recognition and prompt treatment can help prevent later complications of genital warts.
What to expect during your office visit.
Our caring staff can usually diagnose genital warts through direct visual examination. This involves a thorough examination of the thighs and the pelvic region, as well as the mouth and throat areas. In some instances, a biopsy of a lesion is necessary to confirm the presence of HPV.
What Should I Do After Treatment?
Our skin Specialists will schedule follow-up visits after the treatment to ensure the absence of recurrences as genital warts can be very resistant to treatment. Post-treatment care guidelines are also given to all patients.
PS: If you think you have genital warts, please schedule an appointment with us at Advanced Skin Clinic. Want to know more about genital warts? Send us an email.