BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuGenital wartsCondylomata acuminata; Penile warts; Human papillomavirus (HPV); Venereal warts; Condyloma; HPV DNA test; Sexually transmitted disease (STD) - warts; Sexually transmitted infection (STI) - warts; LSIL-HPV; Low-grade dysplasia-HPV; HSIL-HPV; High-grade dysplasia HPV; HPV; Cervical cancer - genital wartsGenital warts are soft growths on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. They may be found on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and around and in the anus.VulvaThe vulva is made up of the female genital parts that are outside the body. It includes the "lips" or folds of skin (labia), clitoris, and the openi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Genital warts are spread through sexual contact.HPV and Genital Warts QuizHPV infection is: A. A virus or germ called HPV or human papilloma virus B. The cause of genital warts C. Commonly found in both males and females D. Passed from one person to another during sexual contact E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Over 40 types affect the genitals and put you at risk for cancer. Talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself from HPV.HPV can lead to the following cancers: A. Cervix B. Vulva C. Vagina D. Anus E. Penis F. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Most HPV infections don't lead to cancer. But some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and penis. If you are age 45 or younger, talk with your doctor about getting a vaccine to prevent HPV.Signs of HPV include: A. Genital warts B. Warts on the thigh, groin, or in the mouth C. Cauliflower-like bumps D. No signs or symptoms E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. HPV is best known for causing genital warts. When present, genital warts rarely cause any symptoms. Around one half of people infected with HPV have no genital warts. So you could have HPV and not know it. If you are sexually active, talk with your doctor about HPV screening.Using latex condoms correctly completely prevents you from catching or spreading HPV: A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Condoms may not fully protect you because the virus can spread to the areas of the genitals not covered by the condom. However, condoms do greatly reduce the risk, so you should still use them when you have sex.HPV vaccines can protect you from getting some forms of cancer. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. The HPV vaccine helps prevent 9 types of HPVs that can cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, throat, and penile cancer. It also helps protect against genital warts. Talk to your doctor about whether these vaccines are right for you.HPV vaccines are only available for girls and women. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. The HPV vaccine is approved for use in boys and young men from age 9 through 45. The vaccine protects against throat, penile, and anal cancers. It also helps protect against genital warts. Talk to your doctor about how to get vaccinated.If you do not have genital warts, there is no way to diagnose HPV infection. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Your health care provider can look for signs of HPV infection during a pelvic exam or send a sample of tissue to be tested for HPV. Pap smear results may sometimes show signs of HPV infection. Even if you don’t have symptoms of HPV, it’s important to get screened for the disease.Doctors can get rid of HPV warts in the following ways: A. Warts may go away on their own B. Medicine placed on the warts C. Laser treatment D. Burning E. Freezing F. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. If your warts don’t disappear, your doctor can prescribe medication or physically remove the warts by freezing them, burning them, surgically removing them or using laser treatments. Talk to your doctor to find the right treatment for you.HPV can't be spread unless you have visible warts. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Experts believe that when a wart is present, the virus may be more easily spread, but HPV can still be spread even without any visible warts. Avoid having sex until you have finished treatment and any warts have healed. Always use a condom when you have sex.An HPV action plan should include: A. Seeing a doctor if you develop any symptoms or genital warts B. Using medication to suppress the virus C. Getting vaccinated for HPV if you’re 9 to 45 years old D. Having regular checkups for STDs even if you have no symptoms E. Notify any recent sexual partners if you are diagnosed with an HPV F. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. All of these steps are important to help prevent the spread of HPV. Causes The virus that causes genital warts is called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are more than 180 types of HPV. Many cause no problems. Some cause warts on other parts of the body and not the genitals. Types 6 and 11 are most commonly linked to genital warts.Certain other types of HPV can lead to precancerous changes in the cervix, or to cervical cancer. These are called high-risk types of HPV. They can also lead to vaginal or vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and throat or mouth cancer.Precancerous changes in the cervixCervical dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that open...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Cervical cancerCervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina.Read Article Now Book Mark Article VaginalVaginal cancer is cancer of the vagina, a female reproductive organ.Read Article Now Book Mark Article VulvarVulvar cancer is cancer that starts in the vulva. Vulvar cancer most often affects the labia, the folds of skin outside the vagina. In some cases, ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article ThroatThroat cancer is cancer of the vocal cords, larynx (voice box), pharynx, or other areas of the throat.Read Article Now Book Mark Article MouthOral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersImportant facts about HPV:HPV infection spreads from one person to another through sexual contact involving the anus, mouth, or vagina. The virus can be spread, even if you DO NOT see the warts. You may not see warts for 6 weeks to 6 months after becoming infected. You may not notice them for years. Not everyone who has come into contact with the HPV virus and genital warts will develop them. You are more likely to get genital warts and spread them more quickly if you:Have multiple sexual partners Are sexually active at an early age Use tobacco or alcohol Have a viral infection, such as herpes, and are stressed at the same time Are pregnant Have a weakened immune system due to a condition such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or from medicines If a child has genital warts, sexual abuse should be suspected as a possible cause. Symptoms Genital warts can be so tiny, you cannot see them.The warts can look like:Flesh-colored spots that are raised or flat Growths that look like the top of a cauliflower In females, genital warts can be found:Inside the vagina or anus Outside the vagina or anus, or on nearby skin On the cervix inside the body In males, genital warts can be found on the:Penis Scrotum Groin area Thighs Inside or around the anus Genital warts can also occur on the:Lips Mouth Tongue Throat Other symptoms are rare, but can include:Increased dampness in the genital area near the warts Increased vaginal discharge Increased vaginal dischargeVaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Genital itching Vaginal bleeding during or after sex Vaginal bleedingThis article discusses vaginal bleeding that occurs between a woman's monthly menstrual periods. Such bleeding may be called "intermenstrual bleedin...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam. In women, this includes a pelvic exam.An office procedure called colposcopy is used to spot warts that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It uses a light and a low-power microscope to help your provider find and then take samples (biopsy) of abnormal areas in your cervix. Colposcopy is usually done in response to an abnormal Pap test. ColposcopyA colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. It uses a light and a low-powered microscope to make the cervix appear much larger. This he...Read Article Now Book Mark Article BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article The virus that causes genital warts can cause abnormal results on a Pap test. If you have these types of changes, you may need more frequent Pap tests or a colposcopy.Pap testThe Pap test mainly checks for changes that may turn into cervical cancer. Cells scraped from the opening of the cervix are examined under a microsc...Read Article Now Book Mark Article An HPV DNA test can tell if you have a high-risk type of HPV known to cause cervical cancer. This test may be done:HPV DNAThe HPV test is used to check for infection with HPV types associated with cervical cancer. Typically, the test looks for 14 different HPV types. H...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If you have genital warts As a screening test for women over age 30 In women of any age who have a slightly abnormal Pap test result Make sure you are screened for cervical, vaginal, vulvar, or anal cancer if you have been diagnosed with genital warts. Treatment Genital warts must be treated by a provider. Do not use over-the-counter medicines meant for other kinds of warts.Treatment may include:Medicines applied to the genital warts or injected by your provider Prescription medicine that you apply at home several times a week The warts may also be removed with minor procedures, including:Freezing (cryosurgery) CryosurgeryCervix cryosurgery is a procedure to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue in the cervix.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Burning (electrocauterization) ElectrocauterizationElectrocauterization is the process of heating tissue with electricity.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Laser therapy Laser therapyLaser therapy is a medical treatment that uses a strong beam of light to cut, burn, or destroy tissue. The term LASER stands for light amplification...Read Article Now Book Mark Article SurgerySurgerySurgical excision is the removal of tissue using a sharp knife (scalpel) or other cutting instrument.Read Article Now Book Mark Article If you have genital warts, all of your sexual partners should be examined by a provider and treated if warts are found. Even if you do not have symptoms, you should be treated. This is to prevent complications and avoid spreading the condition to others.You will need to return to your provider after treatment to make sure all the warts are gone.Routine Pap tests are recommended if you are a woman who has had genital warts, or if your partner had them. If you had warts on your cervix, you may need to have Pap tests every 3 to 6 months after the first treatment.Women with precancerous changes caused by HPV infection may need further treatment. Outlook (Prognosis) Many sexually active young women become infected with HPV. In many cases, HPV goes away on its own.Most men who become infected with HPV never develop any symptoms or problems from the infection. However, they can still pass it on to current and sometimes future sexual partners. Men are at increased risk for cancer of the penis, anus, and throat if they have a history of HPV infection.Even after you have been treated for genital warts, you may still infect others. Possible Complications Some types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix and vulva. They are the main cause of cervical cancer.Genital warts may become numerous and quite large. These will need further treatment. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:A current or past sexual partner has genital warts. You have visible warts on your external genitals, itching, discharge, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Keep in mind that genital warts may not appear for months to years after having sexual contact with an infected person. You think a young child might have genital warts. Women should begin having Pap tests at age 21. Prevention HPV can be passed from person to person even when there are no visible warts or other symptoms. Practicing safer sex can help reduce your risk for getting HPV and cervical cancer:Practicing safer sexSafe sex means taking steps before and during sex that can prevent you from getting an infection, or from giving an infection to your partner....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Always use male and female condoms. But be aware that condoms cannot fully protect you. This is because the virus or warts can also be on the nearby skin. Have only one sexual partner, who you know is infection-free. Limit the number of sexual partners you have over time. Avoid partners who take part in high-risk sexual activities.An HPV vaccine is available:HPV vaccineThe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against infection by certain strains of HPV. HPV can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV ha...Read Article Now Book Mark Article It protects against the HPV types that cause most HPV cancers in women and men. The vaccines DO NOT treat genital warts, they prevent the infection. The vaccine can be given to boys and girls 9 to 12 years old. If the vaccine is given at this age, it is a series of 2 shots. If the vaccine is given at 15 years or older, it is a series of 3 shots. The vaccine can be given to adults up to age 45.Ask your provider whether the HPV vaccine is right for you or your child.Open ReferencesReferencesBonnez W. Papillomaviruses. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 143.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Human papillomavirus. HPV vaccine. www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine-for-hpv.html. Updated August 16, 2023. Accessed June 18, 2024.James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Viral diseases. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 19.Kirnbauer R, Lenz P. Human papillomaviruses. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 79.AllVideoImagesTogCervical cancerAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersCervical cancer - Animation Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women. Luckily, it's much less common in the United States due to women receiving recommended routine Pap smears, the test designed to find cervical cancer sometimes even before abnormal cells turn to cancer. Cervical cancer starts in the cells on the surface of the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus. There are two types of cells on the surface of the cervix, squamous and columnar. Most cervical cancers come from these squamous cells. The cancer usually starts very slowly as a condition called dysplasia. This precancerous condition can be detected by Pap smear and is 100% treatable. Undetected, precancerous changes can develop into cervical cancer and spread to the bladder, intestines, lungs, and liver. It can take years for these precancerous changes to turn into cervical cancer. However, patients with cervical cancer do not usually have problems until the cancer is advanced and has spread. Most of the time, early cervical cancer has no symptoms. Symptoms of advanced cancer may include back pain, bone fractures, fatigue, heavy vaginal bleeding, urine leakage, leg pain, loss of appetite, and pelvic pain. If after having a Pap smear, the doctor finds abnormal changes on the cervix, a colposcopy can be ordered. Using a light and a low-powered microscope, the doctor will view the cervix under magnification. The doctor may remove pieces of tissue, called a biopsy, and send the sample to a laboratory for testing. If the woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, the doctor will order more tests to determine how far the cancer has spread. This is called Staging. Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, the size and shape of the tumor, the woman's age and general health, and her desire to have children in the future. Early cervical cancer can be treated with surgery just to remove abnormal tissue, freeze abnormal cells, or burn abnormal tissue. Treatment for more advanced cervical cancer may include radical hysterectomy, removal of the uterus and much of the surrounding tissue, including lymph nodes and the upper part of the vagina. Radiation may be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the pelvis, or if cancer returns. The woman may also have chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papilloma virus, or HPV. This common virus is spread through sexual intercourse. HPV vaccines can prevent infection. Practicing safe sex also reduces the risk of getting HPV. But, keep in mind most women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had their regular Pap smears. Because Pap smears can find precancerous growths that are 100% treatable, it's very important for women to get Pap smears at regular intervals.Cervical cancerAnimation Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersCervical cancer - Animation Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women. Luckily, it's much less common in the United States due to women receiving recommended routine Pap smears, the test designed to find cervical cancer sometimes even before abnormal cells turn to cancer. Cervical cancer starts in the cells on the surface of the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus. There are two types of cells on the surface of the cervix, squamous and columnar. Most cervical cancers come from these squamous cells. The cancer usually starts very slowly as a condition called dysplasia. This precancerous condition can be detected by Pap smear and is 100% treatable. Undetected, precancerous changes can develop into cervical cancer and spread to the bladder, intestines, lungs, and liver. It can take years for these precancerous changes to turn into cervical cancer. However, patients with cervical cancer do not usually have problems until the cancer is advanced and has spread. Most of the time, early cervical cancer has no symptoms. Symptoms of advanced cancer may include back pain, bone fractures, fatigue, heavy vaginal bleeding, urine leakage, leg pain, loss of appetite, and pelvic pain. If after having a Pap smear, the doctor finds abnormal changes on the cervix, a colposcopy can be ordered. Using a light and a low-powered microscope, the doctor will view the cervix under magnification. The doctor may remove pieces of tissue, called a biopsy, and send the sample to a laboratory for testing. If the woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, the doctor will order more tests to determine how far the cancer has spread. This is called Staging. Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer, the size and shape of the tumor, the woman's age and general health, and her desire to have children in the future. Early cervical cancer can be treated with surgery just to remove abnormal tissue, freeze abnormal cells, or burn abnormal tissue. Treatment for more advanced cervical cancer may include radical hysterectomy, removal of the uterus and much of the surrounding tissue, including lymph nodes and the upper part of the vagina. Radiation may be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the pelvis, or if cancer returns. The woman may also have chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papilloma virus, or HPV. This common virus is spread through sexual intercourse. HPV vaccines can prevent infection. Practicing safe sex also reduces the risk of getting HPV. But, keep in mind most women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had their regular Pap smears. Because Pap smears can find precancerous growths that are 100% treatable, it's very important for women to get Pap smears at regular intervals.Related Information Penis(Special Topic)Vulva(Special Topic)Vagina(Special Topic)Cervix(Special Topic)Warts(Condition)Cervical dysplasia(Condition)Cervical cancer(Condition)Cervical cancer - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 11/10/2022 Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Genital wartsCondylomata acuminata; Penile warts; Human papillomavirus (HPV); Venereal warts; Condyloma; HPV DNA test; Sexually transmitted disease (STD) - warts; Sexually transmitted infection (STI) - warts; LSIL-HPV; Low-grade dysplasia-HPV; HSIL-HPV; High-grade dysplasia HPV; HPV; Cervical cancer - genital wartsGenital warts are soft growths on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. They may be found on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and around and in the anus.VulvaThe vulva is made up of the female genital parts that are outside the body. It includes the "lips" or folds of skin (labia), clitoris, and the openi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Genital warts are spread through sexual contact.HPV and Genital Warts QuizHPV infection is: A. A virus or germ called HPV or human papilloma virus B. The cause of genital warts C. Commonly found in both males and females D. Passed from one person to another during sexual contact E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Over 40 types affect the genitals and put you at risk for cancer. Talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself from HPV.HPV can lead to the following cancers: A. Cervix B. Vulva C. Vagina D. Anus E. Penis F. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. Most HPV infections don't lead to cancer. But some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and penis. If you are age 45 or younger, talk with your doctor about getting a vaccine to prevent HPV.Signs of HPV include: A. Genital warts B. Warts on the thigh, groin, or in the mouth C. Cauliflower-like bumps D. No signs or symptoms E. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. HPV is best known for causing genital warts. When present, genital warts rarely cause any symptoms. Around one half of people infected with HPV have no genital warts. So you could have HPV and not know it. If you are sexually active, talk with your doctor about HPV screening.Using latex condoms correctly completely prevents you from catching or spreading HPV: A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Condoms may not fully protect you because the virus can spread to the areas of the genitals not covered by the condom. However, condoms do greatly reduce the risk, so you should still use them when you have sex.HPV vaccines can protect you from getting some forms of cancer. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is true. The HPV vaccine helps prevent 9 types of HPVs that can cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, throat, and penile cancer. It also helps protect against genital warts. Talk to your doctor about whether these vaccines are right for you.HPV vaccines are only available for girls and women. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. The HPV vaccine is approved for use in boys and young men from age 9 through 45. The vaccine protects against throat, penile, and anal cancers. It also helps protect against genital warts. Talk to your doctor about how to get vaccinated.If you do not have genital warts, there is no way to diagnose HPV infection. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Your health care provider can look for signs of HPV infection during a pelvic exam or send a sample of tissue to be tested for HPV. Pap smear results may sometimes show signs of HPV infection. Even if you don’t have symptoms of HPV, it’s important to get screened for the disease.Doctors can get rid of HPV warts in the following ways: A. Warts may go away on their own B. Medicine placed on the warts C. Laser treatment D. Burning E. Freezing F. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. If your warts don’t disappear, your doctor can prescribe medication or physically remove the warts by freezing them, burning them, surgically removing them or using laser treatments. Talk to your doctor to find the right treatment for you.HPV can't be spread unless you have visible warts. A. True B. False Correct Answer The correct answer is false. Experts believe that when a wart is present, the virus may be more easily spread, but HPV can still be spread even without any visible warts. Avoid having sex until you have finished treatment and any warts have healed. Always use a condom when you have sex.An HPV action plan should include: A. Seeing a doctor if you develop any symptoms or genital warts B. Using medication to suppress the virus C. Getting vaccinated for HPV if you’re 9 to 45 years old D. Having regular checkups for STDs even if you have no symptoms E. Notify any recent sexual partners if you are diagnosed with an HPV F. All of the above Correct Answer The correct answer is all of the above. All of these steps are important to help prevent the spread of HPV. Causes The virus that causes genital warts is called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are more than 180 types of HPV. Many cause no problems. Some cause warts on other parts of the body and not the genitals. Types 6 and 11 are most commonly linked to genital warts.Certain other types of HPV can lead to precancerous changes in the cervix, or to cervical cancer. These are called high-risk types of HPV. They can also lead to vaginal or vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and throat or mouth cancer.Precancerous changes in the cervixCervical dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that open...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Cervical cancerCervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina.Read Article Now Book Mark Article VaginalVaginal cancer is cancer of the vagina, a female reproductive organ.Read Article Now Book Mark Article VulvarVulvar cancer is cancer that starts in the vulva. Vulvar cancer most often affects the labia, the folds of skin outside the vagina. In some cases, ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article ThroatThroat cancer is cancer of the vocal cords, larynx (voice box), pharynx, or other areas of the throat.Read Article Now Book Mark Article MouthOral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersImportant facts about HPV:HPV infection spreads from one person to another through sexual contact involving the anus, mouth, or vagina. The virus can be spread, even if you DO NOT see the warts. You may not see warts for 6 weeks to 6 months after becoming infected. You may not notice them for years. Not everyone who has come into contact with the HPV virus and genital warts will develop them. You are more likely to get genital warts and spread them more quickly if you:Have multiple sexual partners Are sexually active at an early age Use tobacco or alcohol Have a viral infection, such as herpes, and are stressed at the same time Are pregnant Have a weakened immune system due to a condition such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or from medicines If a child has genital warts, sexual abuse should be suspected as a possible cause. Symptoms Genital warts can be so tiny, you cannot see them.The warts can look like:Flesh-colored spots that are raised or flat Growths that look like the top of a cauliflower In females, genital warts can be found:Inside the vagina or anus Outside the vagina or anus, or on nearby skin On the cervix inside the body In males, genital warts can be found on the:Penis Scrotum Groin area Thighs Inside or around the anus Genital warts can also occur on the:Lips Mouth Tongue Throat Other symptoms are rare, but can include:Increased dampness in the genital area near the warts Increased vaginal discharge Increased vaginal dischargeVaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Genital itching Vaginal bleeding during or after sex Vaginal bleedingThis article discusses vaginal bleeding that occurs between a woman's monthly menstrual periods. Such bleeding may be called "intermenstrual bleedin...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam. In women, this includes a pelvic exam.An office procedure called colposcopy is used to spot warts that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It uses a light and a low-power microscope to help your provider find and then take samples (biopsy) of abnormal areas in your cervix. Colposcopy is usually done in response to an abnormal Pap test. ColposcopyA colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. It uses a light and a low-powered microscope to make the cervix appear much larger. This he...Read Article Now Book Mark Article BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article The virus that causes genital warts can cause abnormal results on a Pap test. If you have these types of changes, you may need more frequent Pap tests or a colposcopy.Pap testThe Pap test mainly checks for changes that may turn into cervical cancer. Cells scraped from the opening of the cervix are examined under a microsc...Read Article Now Book Mark Article An HPV DNA test can tell if you have a high-risk type of HPV known to cause cervical cancer. This test may be done:HPV DNAThe HPV test is used to check for infection with HPV types associated with cervical cancer. Typically, the test looks for 14 different HPV types. H...Read Article Now Book Mark Article If you have genital warts As a screening test for women over age 30 In women of any age who have a slightly abnormal Pap test result Make sure you are screened for cervical, vaginal, vulvar, or anal cancer if you have been diagnosed with genital warts. Treatment Genital warts must be treated by a provider. Do not use over-the-counter medicines meant for other kinds of warts.Treatment may include:Medicines applied to the genital warts or injected by your provider Prescription medicine that you apply at home several times a week The warts may also be removed with minor procedures, including:Freezing (cryosurgery) CryosurgeryCervix cryosurgery is a procedure to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue in the cervix.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Burning (electrocauterization) ElectrocauterizationElectrocauterization is the process of heating tissue with electricity.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Laser therapy Laser therapyLaser therapy is a medical treatment that uses a strong beam of light to cut, burn, or destroy tissue. The term LASER stands for light amplification...Read Article Now Book Mark Article SurgerySurgerySurgical excision is the removal of tissue using a sharp knife (scalpel) or other cutting instrument.Read Article Now Book Mark Article If you have genital warts, all of your sexual partners should be examined by a provider and treated if warts are found. Even if you do not have symptoms, you should be treated. This is to prevent complications and avoid spreading the condition to others.You will need to return to your provider after treatment to make sure all the warts are gone.Routine Pap tests are recommended if you are a woman who has had genital warts, or if your partner had them. If you had warts on your cervix, you may need to have Pap tests every 3 to 6 months after the first treatment.Women with precancerous changes caused by HPV infection may need further treatment. Outlook (Prognosis) Many sexually active young women become infected with HPV. In many cases, HPV goes away on its own.Most men who become infected with HPV never develop any symptoms or problems from the infection. However, they can still pass it on to current and sometimes future sexual partners. Men are at increased risk for cancer of the penis, anus, and throat if they have a history of HPV infection.Even after you have been treated for genital warts, you may still infect others. Possible Complications Some types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix and vulva. They are the main cause of cervical cancer.Genital warts may become numerous and quite large. These will need further treatment. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:A current or past sexual partner has genital warts. You have visible warts on your external genitals, itching, discharge, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Keep in mind that genital warts may not appear for months to years after having sexual contact with an infected person. You think a young child might have genital warts. Women should begin having Pap tests at age 21. Prevention HPV can be passed from person to person even when there are no visible warts or other symptoms. Practicing safer sex can help reduce your risk for getting HPV and cervical cancer:Practicing safer sexSafe sex means taking steps before and during sex that can prevent you from getting an infection, or from giving an infection to your partner....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Always use male and female condoms. But be aware that condoms cannot fully protect you. This is because the virus or warts can also be on the nearby skin. Have only one sexual partner, who you know is infection-free. Limit the number of sexual partners you have over time. Avoid partners who take part in high-risk sexual activities.An HPV vaccine is available:HPV vaccineThe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against infection by certain strains of HPV. HPV can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV ha...Read Article Now Book Mark Article It protects against the HPV types that cause most HPV cancers in women and men. The vaccines DO NOT treat genital warts, they prevent the infection. The vaccine can be given to boys and girls 9 to 12 years old. If the vaccine is given at this age, it is a series of 2 shots. If the vaccine is given at 15 years or older, it is a series of 3 shots. The vaccine can be given to adults up to age 45.Ask your provider whether the HPV vaccine is right for you or your child.Open ReferencesReferencesBonnez W. Papillomaviruses. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 143.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Human papillomavirus. HPV vaccine. www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine-for-hpv.html. Updated August 16, 2023. Accessed June 18, 2024.James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Viral diseases. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 19.Kirnbauer R, Lenz P. Human papillomaviruses. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 79.