What Increases Your Risk

Factors that increase the risk of becoming infected with a sexually transmitted infection, such as HPV and genital warts, include:

• Having multiple sex partners.
• Having high-risk partner(s) (partner has multiple sex partners or HPV-infected sex partners).
• Having unprotected sexual contact (not using condoms).
• Having an impaired immune system.

If you have a high-risk type of HPV and are using birth control pills for more than 5 years, research suggests that this can increase your risk of getting cervical cancer.³ More research is needed, but for more information, see the topic Cervical Cancer.

When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Sores, bumps, rashes, blisters, or warts on or around your genitals or anus
• Burning, pain, or severe itching while urinating
• For women, an abnormal vaginal discharge that smells bad
• For men, an abnormal discharge from your penis

Call your doctor if you suspect you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Avoid sexual contact until you have been examined by a doctor.

Children

A child can get genital warts in several ways. Any child with genital warts needs to be evaluated by a doctor to find out the cause and to assess for possible sexual abuse.

In rare cases, infants may develop warts in the larynx (laryngeal papillomas), which is in the throat, from exposure to HPV during birth.

Watchful waiting

A doctor should evaluate any warts or other symptoms that suggest infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) or another sexually transmitted infection (STI). Avoid sexual contact until you have been examined. If you have an STI, avoid sexual contact to prevent spreading the virus.

Sometimes, warts may go away on their own. If you have genital warts, your doctor may observe your condition without using medical treatment. This is called watchful waiting. This period may vary from a few days to weeks or possibly months.

The length of the watchful waiting period is based on:

• The severity of your symptoms.
• The progression of the problem if not treated.
• The risks and benefits of waiting.
• Your age and medical history.

Who to see

In general, your family doctor or any of the following health professionals can determine whether you have genital warts:

• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Internist

Treatment may require a specialist, such as a:

• Gynecologist.
• Urologist.
• Dermatologist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.