Diseases & Conditions

Genital warts

Genital warts, also known as venereal warts or condylomata acuminata, are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases.

As the name suggests, genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. They may look like small, flesh-colored bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts may be very small, or they may multiply into large clusters.

Although genital warts can be treated with medications and surgery, they are a serious health concern. The virus that causes genital warts — the human papillomavirus (HPV) — has been associated with cervical cancer. It has also been linked with other types of genital cancers.

Like warts that appear on other areas of your skin, genital warts are caused by a virus — HPV — that infects the top layers of your skin. There are more than 100 different types of HPV, but only a few can cause genital warts. These strains of the virus are highly contagious and spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

About two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with someone who has genital warts develop the condition — usually within three months of contact, but in some cases not for years.

Detecting genital warts
Because it's often difficult to detect genital warts, your doctor may apply an acetic acid solution to your genitals to whiten any warts. Then, he or she may view them through a special microscope called a colposcope.

The importance of Pap tests
For women, it's important to have regular pelvic exams and Pap tests, which can help detect vaginal and cervical changes caused by genital warts or the early signs of cervical cancer — a possible complication of HPV infection.

Have an initial Pap test within three years of having sex or at age 21, whichever comes first. You may be able to reduce the frequency of your Pap tests if you're older than 30 and you've had three normal tests in a row. Talk with your doctor about the right screening schedule for you.

If you've had genital warts, you may need to have a Pap test every three to six months, depending on the severity of your condition.

While many folk remedies — such as aloe, castor oil and vinegar — are promoted for the treatment of genital warts, there is little evidence to suggest that these approaches are effective.