Genital Warts (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Genital Warts (HPV) Overview
- Genital Warts (HPV) Causes
- Genital Warts (HPV) Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Genital Warts (HPV) Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Pictures of Genital Warts
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Genital Warts Symptoms (HPV)
Although genital warts are painless, they may be bothersome because of their location, size, or due to itching.
- The size may range from less than one millimeter across to several square
centimeters when many warts join together.
- Men and women with genital warts will often complain of painless bumps,
itching, and discharge.
- Rarely, bleeding or urinary obstruction may be the initial problem
when the wart involves the urethral opening (the opening where urine exits the
body.)
- Warts in more than one area are common.
- There may be a history of previous
or concurrent
sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs).
- Specific descriptions
- In men, genital warts can infect the urethra, penis, scrotum, and rectal
area. The warts can appear as soft, raised masses with a surface that can be
smooth (on the penile shaft) or rough with many fingerlike projections (anal
warts). Others may appear pearly, cauliflower-like, or rough with a slightly
dark surface. Most lesions are raised, but some may be flat with only slight
elevation above the skin surface. Infection with HPV may be dormant or
undetectable, with some lesions hidden by hair or in the inner aspect of the
uncircumcised foreskin in males.
- In women, genital warts have a similar appearance and usually occur in the moist areas of the labia minora and vaginal opening. Lesions visible on the outer genitals warrant a thorough examination of the vaginal canal, cervix, and anorectal area. Most vaginal warts occur without symptoms. Rarely, women may experience bleeding after sexual intercourse, itching, or vaginal discharge.
- In men, genital warts can infect the urethra, penis, scrotum, and rectal
area. The warts can appear as soft, raised masses with a surface that can be
smooth (on the penile shaft) or rough with many fingerlike projections (anal
warts). Others may appear pearly, cauliflower-like, or rough with a slightly
dark surface. Most lesions are raised, but some may be flat with only slight
elevation above the skin surface. Infection with HPV may be dormant or
undetectable, with some lesions hidden by hair or in the inner aspect of the
uncircumcised foreskin in males.
Next: When to Seek Medical Care »
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Genital Warts (HPV Infection)
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Warts, Genital »
Until the 19th century, genital warts (GWs) were believed to be a form of syphilis or gonorrhea.
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