Genital Warts

Genital Warts are warts that develop on the skin and mucous membranes in the genital area. Also called condylomata acuminata, these warts are spread by skin-to-skin contact during sexual intimacy.

Genital warts are typically flesh-coloured and soft to the touch, resembling tiny cauliflowers. They can appear individually or in groups. Often flat and small, they generally affect the tender, moist tissues of the genital area. In women, this means outside and inside the vagina, on the cervix (opening to the uterus), around the anus. In men, they tend to occur on the tip or the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, and/or around the anus. Genital warts may develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected person.

Genital warts may itch or bleed. Sometimes, depending on location and size, they can interfere with bowel movements and urination, or with sexual intimacy.

Genital warts usually appear from 1 to 6 months after exposure. They can, however, take much longer - even years - to appear.

Causes and triggers

Genital warts are caused by certain types of the human papillomaviruses (HPV).

More than 100 types of HPV have been identified and most of them are harmless. Some cause skin warts like the ones you see on hands or feet. More than 30 types of HPV are spread by genital, anal, or oral sex, and some of them - especially types 6 and 11, - cause genital warts.

Genital HPV infections are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI). Some are associated with cervical cancer and other genital cancers, but not HPV-6 and HPV-11, which are the types of HPV that generally cause genital warts. HPV-6 and HPV-11 are low-risk viruses and rarely develop into cancer.

Most people who have an HPV infection may never develop warts. They are, however, still able to pass HPV to their partners, who may or may not develop warts.

People who have sexual relations with multiple partners, with an infected person, or with someone having multiple partners are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. People with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk (e.g., those undergoing cancer treatment or living with AIDS).

Treatment

Genital warts can disappear spontaneously. Treatments can help remove them, thus reducing the risk of transmission. However, since these treatments do not completely eliminate the virus (HPV), warts may reappear after treatment.

It is important to never use over-the-counter products to treat warts in the genital area.

When deciding on the best treatment for you, your health care provider will consider the size, number, and location of the warts, as well as convenience, adverse effects, any changes in the warts, and your preference. Some products are applied at home by the patient, while other treatments (e.g., trichloroacetic acid, cryotherapy, laser therapy) are administered at the medical clinic.

Prevention

Vaccines against certain types of HPV that are known to cause genital warts or cervical and anal cancers are available. These vaccines are the best way to prevent HPV infection but are not a cure. HPV vaccination is most effective if administered before the onset of sexual activity, but it can also be considered even after initial sexual encounters.

Condom use is recommended to prevent the transmission of several STIs, including genital warts. However, its effectiveness is limited for genital warts, as they can be located in areas that cannot be protected by condom use.

When should I see a health care professional?

Consult your health care provider if you or your partner:

• has a lump or a wart in the genital or mouth area, or around the anus;
• feel pain or is bleeding during sexual relations.

For more information:

• Sex & U