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 How effective is laser surgery for genital warts?
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In studies, laser surgery removed warts in about 40 out of 100 people. But warts may return after surgery. Laser surgery is a safe treatment for pregnant women. Full Answer
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- Q Why may I need laser surgery for genital warts?
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Laser surgery may be done when: Medicine has failed, and the warts need to be removed. Warts are widespread. Warts need to be treated during pregnancy. Your doctor will recommend when treatment should be done during pregnancy. Full Answer
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- Q What is laser surgery for genital warts?
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A laser can be used to destroy genital warts. Laser surgery may be done in a doctor's office or clinic, a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. Local or general anesthetic may be used depending on the number of warts to be removed or the size of... Full Answer
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- Q What should I think about if I have a surgical excision of genital warts?
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Treating genital warts may not cure a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The virus may remain in the body in an inactive state after warts are removed. A person treated for genital warts may still be able to spread the infection. Condoms may help... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risks of a surgical excision of genital warts?
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Risks of surgery are: Bleeding. Infection. You may receive antibiotics at the time of the procedure, to reduce the risk of infection. Pain. You may need medicine for several days after the procedure. Full Answer
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- Q How effective is a surgical excision of genital warts?
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Surgery may be an effective treatment. But surgery may cause more pain than other treatments. Full Answer
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- Q Why may I need a surgical excision of genital warts?
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Surgery is used to remove warts that return after other treatments. It also may be used when warts are widespread. A single treatment may be all that is needed. Full Answer
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- Q What should I expect after having a surgical excision of genital warts?
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Recovery time depends on the location and number of warts removed. Most people will be able to return to normal activities within 1 to 3 days. Healing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Scarring may occur. For men and women who have had genital warts... Full Answer
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- Q What is a surgical excision of genital warts?
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Visible genital warts on the penis or vagina or around the anus are removed by excision, which means cutting the warts off with a surgical knife (scalpel). Warts on the cervix may be removed by laser or loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP). The... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my genital warts symptoms?
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If you have symptoms that you think may be caused by genital warts, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. Suspicious symptoms often begin with small bumps or cauliflower-like growths on the genitals, anal area, or mouth. The growths may heal on their... Full Answer
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