Rarely, the doctor may take a biopsy, a small skin sample, of a wart for further testing. Because the warts often take time to develop after the person contracts the infection, the doctor may ask the person to return for a follow-up check.
Some genital warts are so small that doctors can only detect them with a tool called a colposcope. A colposcopic exam of the cervix and vagina or a Pap smear can help doctors diagnose these warts. While there is no cure for the virus that causes these warts, the body may clear the virus over time. Removing the warts can help prevent transmission, but these techniques are not always effective. A healthcare professional can attempt to remove them in various ways, or a person can try topical creams at home.
Infection with the human papillomavirus HPV can cause warts, and some types of the virus can increase the risk of cancer. Learn more here. Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. They can last months or even years. Learn more about how treatment can speed up recovery. Sexually transmitted infections STIs usually spread through sexual contact. Here, learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent some common STIs. Learn about three possible home remedies for genital warts. We also look at lifestyle changes that could help, and when you should see a doctor.
What to know about genital warts Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M. What are they? Pictures Prevalence Treatment Prevention Causes Diagnosis Outlook Genital warts are fleshy growths that develop around the genitals or anus.
What are genital warts? How common are genital warts? Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Important facts about HPV: HPV infection spreads from one person to another through sexual contact involving the anus, mouth, or vagina. 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.
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 Genital itching Vaginal bleeding during or after sex.
Exams and Tests. The health care provider will perform a physical exam. In women, this includes a pelvic exam. This test may be done: 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 may include: Medicines applied to the genital warts or injected by your doctor Prescription medicine that you apply at home several times a week The warts may also be removed with minor procedures, including: Freezing cryosurgery Burning electrocauterization Laser therapy Surgery If you have genital warts, all of your sexual partners should be examined by a provider and treated if warts are found.
You will need to return to your provider after treatment to make sure all the warts are gone. Women with precancerous changes caused by HPV infection may need further treatment. Outlook Prognosis. Even after you have been treated for genital warts, you may still infect others.
Possible Complications. 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 smears at age Practicing safer sex can help reduce your risk for getting HPV and cervical cancer: 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.
This varies for different NHS board areas. Treating genital warts Treatment for genital warts needs to be prescribed by a doctor or nurse. Treatment options include: Cream or liquid - you can usually apply this to the warts yourself a few times a week for several weeks.
These treatments can in some cases cause soreness, irritation or a burning sensation Freezing - a doctor or nurse freezes the warts with liquid nitrogen, usually every week for four weeks. This can also cause soreness, burning sensation and irritation Surgery - a doctor or nurse can cut, burn or laser the warts off.
This is usually only recommended if the warts are not responding or are too large for cream or freezing. Side effects of these treatments include bleeding, wound infection, or scarring If left untreated, the warts may increase in size and number, and you will be more likely to pass the infection on to any partners.
Recurring genital warts Warts can come back after you have managed to get rid of them. Smoking reduces your chances of clearing the virus, so it is advised you stop smoking. Avoiding passing on genital warts to a partner Using a condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex is the best way to avoid passing on genital warts to a partner.
Reducing the risk of genital warts To reduce your risk of getting genital warts you should use a condom for vaginal, anal and oral sex. You can get warts even if you use condoms, as a condom does not cover the whole genital area. Genital warts and cancer Genital warts are not cancer and don't cause cancer.
Speak to your GP or local sexual health clinic for more information. Find your local sexual health clinic Search for your nearest sexual health clinic through Scotland's Service Directory.
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