Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsWhat Do Genital Warts Mean?TreatmentSexual Health
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
What Do Genital Warts Mean?
Treatment
Sexual Health
Common symptoms include small, skin-colored bumps or clusters that may be itchy or cause discomfort. In males, genital warts can appear on the penis, scrotum, or groin area, while in females, they can develop on the vulva, cervix, or vaginal walls.
This article will explain genital wart symptoms, what they mean, and how to treat them.
A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
Thomas Barwick / Getty Images
Could I Have Genital Warts?
A diagnosis of genital warts involves examining the genital area for any unusual growths, bumps, or changes in skin texture. Your healthcare provider can help distinguish genital warts from other similar-looking conditions, such as:
Also, some STIs, such asherpesandsyphilis, may appear similar to genital warts but need different treatment.
If you notice any unusual growths or changes in your genital area, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis. They can help differentiate between genital warts and other conditions.
Symptoms in Women
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2024.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2024.
Understanding the symptoms of genital warts in women is crucial for early detection and proper management. Below are key characteristics of genital warts that women may experience:
Symptoms in Men
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
In both men and women, genital wart symptoms can take several weeks, months, or even years to show up. They also tend to appear similarly in men and women. Below are key characteristics outlining the symptoms of genital warts in men:
It is important to remember that both men and women can have the HPV virus and not have genital wart symptoms. But they can still transmit the virus to others during sexual contact.
Genital warts are small growths or bumps that appear on the genital area as a result of an HPV infection. You can get genital warts from vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. Genital warts can vary in size and appearance, often resembling cauliflower-like clusters, and are considered a type of STI.
Warts can sometimes go away on their own, but treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and to alleviate symptoms.
In most cases (nine out of 10), HPV naturally clears from the body within two years without causing health issues but can develop into genital warts or even cancer.
What’s the Difference Between STIs and STDs?“STI” stands for “sexually transmitted infection.” The distinction between an STI and a “sexually transmitted disease (STD)” or “STD” is often a source of confusion, but in reality, they refer to the same concept. Regardless of the terminology used, both terms refer to infections transmitted through sexual activity.Many STIs remain in the infection stage, often without noticeable symptoms, and can be effectively treated or cured before causing significant harm. Therefore, the use of “infection” rather than “disease” is more fitting when discussing many sexually transmitted conditions.
What’s the Difference Between STIs and STDs?
“STI” stands for “sexually transmitted infection.” The distinction between an STI and a “sexually transmitted disease (STD)” or “STD” is often a source of confusion, but in reality, they refer to the same concept. Regardless of the terminology used, both terms refer to infections transmitted through sexual activity.Many STIs remain in the infection stage, often without noticeable symptoms, and can be effectively treated or cured before causing significant harm. Therefore, the use of “infection” rather than “disease” is more fitting when discussing many sexually transmitted conditions.
Cancer Risk
HPV increases the risk of developing certain types of cancers.These cancers can grow very slowly and may not result in a diagnosis for many years or decades later.
About 10% of women with HPV infection on their cervix develop longer-lasting HPV infections that put them at higher risk for cervical cancer.For men, HPV can also lead to penile cancers.
HPV infections that don’t go away can also cause anal and oropharyngeal (cancer in the back of the throat) in both men and women.
Recurring Symptoms
The human papillomavirus can remain in the body even after treatment, which increases the recurrence of genital warts.It’s essential for individuals with a history of genital warts to maintain regular follow-ups with healthcare providers and take preventive measures to manage the risk of recurrence.
How to Treat Genital Warts
It’s important to note that no treatment can completely cure HPV, but treatments can help manage and remove visible warts. There are several treatments available for genital warts, including:
Sexual Health and Genital Warts
It’s important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of developing genital warts, not everyone exposed to HPV will develop visible warts. Some individuals may be carriers of the virus without showing any symptoms.
Preventing genital warts involves adopting proactive measures, including:
The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent infection with certain strains of HPV, specifically those associated with genital warts and various cancers such as cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancers.
By providing immunity against these high-risk HPV types, the vaccine helps protect individuals from developing HPV-related health issues.
Summary
Open communication with healthcare providers and sexual partners can further enhance awareness and prevention efforts against HPV and its associated health risks. If you or a loved one has symptoms of genital warts, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options right for you.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medline Plus.Genital warts.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Signs and symptoms.STD Center.Genital warts (HPV) vs. skin tags: Establishing the diagnoses.Medline Plus.Molluscum contagiosum.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.Aldahan AS, Brah TK, Nouri K.Diagnosis and management of pearly penile papules.American Journal of Men’s Health. 2018;12(3):624-627. doi:10.1177/1557988316654138American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic keratoses: Overview.Planned Parenthood.Do I have genital warts?Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of genital warts?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital HPV infection.Planned Parenthood.STI vs STD - What’s the difference?American Cancer Society.Cancers linked with HPV.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Basic information about HPV and cancer.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Diagnosis and treatment.Nemours Teens Health.HPV vaccine.American Cancer Society.Risk factors for cervical cancer.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Who gets and causes.Planned Parenthood.How can I prevent getting pr spreading genital warts?
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medline Plus.Genital warts.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Signs and symptoms.STD Center.Genital warts (HPV) vs. skin tags: Establishing the diagnoses.Medline Plus.Molluscum contagiosum.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.Aldahan AS, Brah TK, Nouri K.Diagnosis and management of pearly penile papules.American Journal of Men’s Health. 2018;12(3):624-627. doi:10.1177/1557988316654138American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic keratoses: Overview.Planned Parenthood.Do I have genital warts?Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of genital warts?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital HPV infection.Planned Parenthood.STI vs STD - What’s the difference?American Cancer Society.Cancers linked with HPV.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Basic information about HPV and cancer.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Diagnosis and treatment.Nemours Teens Health.HPV vaccine.American Cancer Society.Risk factors for cervical cancer.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Who gets and causes.Planned Parenthood.How can I prevent getting pr spreading genital warts?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Medline Plus.Genital warts.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Signs and symptoms.STD Center.Genital warts (HPV) vs. skin tags: Establishing the diagnoses.Medline Plus.Molluscum contagiosum.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.Aldahan AS, Brah TK, Nouri K.Diagnosis and management of pearly penile papules.American Journal of Men’s Health. 2018;12(3):624-627. doi:10.1177/1557988316654138American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic keratoses: Overview.Planned Parenthood.Do I have genital warts?Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of genital warts?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital HPV infection.Planned Parenthood.STI vs STD - What’s the difference?American Cancer Society.Cancers linked with HPV.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Basic information about HPV and cancer.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Diagnosis and treatment.Nemours Teens Health.HPV vaccine.American Cancer Society.Risk factors for cervical cancer.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Who gets and causes.Planned Parenthood.How can I prevent getting pr spreading genital warts?
Medline Plus.Genital warts.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Signs and symptoms.
STD Center.Genital warts (HPV) vs. skin tags: Establishing the diagnoses.
Medline Plus.Molluscum contagiosum.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Fordyce spots.
Aldahan AS, Brah TK, Nouri K.Diagnosis and management of pearly penile papules.American Journal of Men’s Health. 2018;12(3):624-627. doi:10.1177/1557988316654138
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic keratoses: Overview.
Planned Parenthood.Do I have genital warts?
Planned Parenthood.What are the symptoms of genital warts?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital HPV infection.
Planned Parenthood.STI vs STD - What’s the difference?
American Cancer Society.Cancers linked with HPV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Basic information about HPV and cancer.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Diagnosis and treatment.
Nemours Teens Health.HPV vaccine.
American Cancer Society.Risk factors for cervical cancer.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Genital warts: Who gets and causes.
Planned Parenthood.How can I prevent getting pr spreading genital warts?
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