Disease: Genital warts

Genital warts

Also called condylomata acuminata

Genital warts: The warts appear in various sizes and shapes.

Genital warts are warts that appear in the genital area. There can be 1 wart or a cluster of warts. People get these warts by picking up the human papillomavirus (HPV) from someone who is already infected with this virus.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection. It is possible to spread or get these warts even when you cannot see them.

Many people with HPV do not know they have the virus, because they do not have symptoms.

Of the 100 or so types of HPV, just a few can cause genital warts. Some HPV types can cause cervical cancer. Other types can cause anal cancer, cancer of the penis, or mouth and throat cancer. You can get more than one type of HPV.

There are many ways to treat genital warts. Since warts are often stubborn, you may need more than one visit to the dermatologist.

Source: https://www.aad.org

Signs, symptoms

Genital warts appear in various sizes and shapes. Some people get a few warts. Others get many warts. The most common signs (what you see) of these warts are:

  • Small, scattered bumps that are skin-colored or a bit darker.
  • A cluster of bumps that look like cauliflower.
  • Growths in the genital area that can be raised or flat and smooth or rough.
Genital warts often have no symptoms (what someone feels). Sometimes the warts itch, burn, hurt, or bleed.

Where you find genital warts

Genital warts can appear on the following areas of the body:

Females
  • Vulva (external female genitals).
  • Vagina.
  • Cervix.
  • Groin.
Males
  • Penis.
  • Scrotum.
  • Thigh.
  • Groin.
Females and males
  • In the mouth or throat after having oral sex with an infected person.
  • In or around the anus after anal sex with someone who has HPV.

Source: https://www.aad.org

Who gets, causes

Who gets genital warts?

Anyone who has sex can get human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts. At least half of people who have sex have had an HPV infection. It is most common before age 30.

Not everyone who gets an HPV infection gets genital warts. Most people never get these warts because the body’s immune system fights the virus. Most people get rid of the virus in a few years and then are no longer contagious.

People who have a weakened immune system may not be able to fight the virus. When the body cannot fight HPV, genital warts can grow. A person’s immune system can become weak from a disease such as cancer or AIDS. Some medicines, such as those to prevent organ rejection, also weaken the immune system.

Research has found that smokers have a higher risk for getting genital warts than people who do not smoke. It is not clear why.

Sometimes a child gets genital warts. It is rare, but an infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth. The warts may not show up right away. Genital warts in a child also can be a sign of sexual abuse.

What causes genital warts?

Genital warts spread from a person who has HPV to another person through:

  • Sex (vaginal, anal, or oral).
  • Genital contact (people's genitals touch).
  • Childbirth (from infected mother to baby).

Warts may not appear until weeks or months after sex with an infected person.

Source: https://www.aad.org

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