Genital Warts
If you notice any soft skin-colored bumps around your genitals or anus you may consider talking to your healthcare provider about genital warts. These contagious warts are caused by a sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. At least 20 million people in the United States are carriers of this virus, which is one of the most common STDs in the world. However, you may have HPV without showing any symptoms of genital warts. If you are a woman, you may be more likely to get genital warts than a man. Use condoms and other precautions to reduce the contagiousness of the disease, as all types of sexual contact can spread HPV. Like genital herpes, the virus that causes the warts stays dormant in your body, and can become active at any time, causing multiple wart outbreaks in your lifetime. If the warts do not go away after a period of time, talk to your doctor about medical treatment to eliminate them.
Recently Answered
- Q What are genital warts?
-
Genital warts are irregularly shaped bumpy growths spread through sexual contact. Genital warts are found in the genital area on the penis, anus, vagina, cervix, or in between the thighs. They are highly contagious and can cause cervical cancer in women.... Full Answer
5 Answers
A
- Q Is there a cure for genital warts?
-
There is a vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the cause of genital warts. It is recommended that boys and girls receive the vaccine around age 11 or 12 because it is most effective if received before becoming sexually active. The... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What should I expect after having cryotherapy for genital warts?
-
Recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed. Healing usually occurs in 1 to 3 weeks. After treatment, the following may occur: Irritation, soreness or mild pain may occur after the procedure. You may have swelling. You may... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What procedures help treat genital warts (human papillomavirus)?
-
You may have surgery to remove genital warts if they are widespread and medicine or freezing (cryotherapy) fails to remove them. If you have a high-risk type of HPV that causes an abnormal Pap test, your doctor may recommend certain types of surgery.... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What can I do to manage my genital warts (human papillomavirus)?
-
The most important thing you can do to manage genital warts is to see a doctor and get treatment, which will help the warts disappear faster or reduce the number of them. Treatment may involve medication applied to the affected skin, or in some... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q Can genital warts be prevented?
-
Obviously, the most effective way to prevent genital warts is to avoid having sex, or to only have sex with a monogamous partner who isn't infected. Using a condom every time you have sex can also help prevent genital warts, although it's not a... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q How are genital warts (human papillomavirus) diagnosed?
-
If the warts are visible, doctors may be able to diagnose genital warts by just looking at the symptoms. In some cases, though, diagnosing genital warts may be more difficult than it seems. This is because the warts aren't always visible, especially if... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q When should I call my doctor if I have genital warts?
-
Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: Sores, bumps, rashes, blisters or warts on or around your genitals or anus Burning, pain or severe itching while urinating For women, an abnormal vaginal discharge that smells bad For... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What increases my risk for genital warts (human papillomavirus)?
-
Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease, so certain sexual behavior can greatly increase your risk. Having unprotected sex or having sex with multiple partners may increase your risk for genital warts. If you've had another sexually transmitted... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q How do genital warts (human papillomavirus) affect my body?
-
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which usually enters the body during sexual contact. The virus commonly enters through the genitals, rectum, or mouth, and infects the skin's upper layer. Once in the skin, the virus... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
