Genital Warts – HPV

What is Genital Warts?

genital-warts

Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Certain types of HPV cause genital warts. These types don’t cause cancer. Treatments can get rid of genital warts, but once you have genital warts and HPV, you can always give the STI to someone else. It’s important to use condoms and practice safe sex.

Genital warts affect all genders. It’s most common in teenagers and young adults. People assigned male at birth (AMAB) are slightly more at risk. Your chances of getting genital warts increase if you:

  • Don’t use condoms or dental dams while having sex.
  • Have multiple sexual partners.
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Symptoms

Warts look like rough, skin-colored or whitish-grey growths on your skin. Genital warts often have a bumpy cauliflower look, but some are flat. Genital warts aren’t usually painful. Occasionally, they cause:

  • Mild bleeding.
  • Burning sensation.
  • Discomfort.
  • Genital itching or irritation.

Some warts are very small. Still, you can typically feel or see them. Sometimes the warts cluster together in groups or get very large and take on a stalk-like appearance. Most warts begin as tiny, soft growths and may be unnoticeable.

Treatment

There are different ways to remove genital warts. You may need several treatments to get rid of them. During treatment, you should abstain from sexual contact.

Your healthcare provider may use one of these methods to treat genital warts:

  • Electrocautery
  • Freezing
  • Laser treatment
  • Electrosurgical excision procedure
  • Topical (skin) medicine
  • Surgery