Genital Warts – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Genital Warts: What You Should Know

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affect the genital and anal regions. In this article we explore genital warts in depth: what causes them, how they appear, how they’re treated, how they may resolve or recur and importantly, how you can prevent them.

What Are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are growths or bumps that develop on the external or internal genital or anal region. They are caused by certain types of the Human papillomavirus infection (HPV) specifically low-risk strains such as HPV types 6 and 11 in most cases. These warts are a manifestation of the virus on the skin or mucous membranes in the genital area. Although they are not the same HPV strains that commonly lead to cancers, the presence of warts signals you have an HPV infection that can be transmitted to others. 

Causes of Genital Warts

How do genital warts develop?

The primary cause of genital warts is infection by specific HPV strains. You contract these viruses through skin-to-skin sexual contact, which may include vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Important risk factors include:

• Having unprotected sex (without condoms or dental dams)

• Having multiple sexual partners or a partner with multiple partners

• Having a weakened immune system (such as HIV infection or immunosuppression)

• Early sexual activity or exposure to HPV before full vaccination protection is achieved

Because HPV can lie dormant, the appearance of visible genital warts may be weeks, months or even years after initial infection.

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What Are the Symptoms of Genital Warts?

When discussing genital warts, you should know how they present:

• Small, flesh-coloured or grey-whitish growths or bumps on the genitals, vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, anus, groin, or even the mouth/throat after oral contact.

• Warts may appear singly or in clusters; clusters can look like a cauliflower-style mass.

• They may be flat or raised, rough or smooth.

• Sometimes symptoms include itching, burning sensation, mild bleeding (especially during sex), discomfort, or irritation around the affected area.

• Note: Many times an infected person may have HPV and no visible warts at all, yet still be able to transmit the virus.

Frequently Asked:

1. What is the cause of genital warts?
The cause of genital warts is infection with specific types of HPV that infect the genital or anal skin/mucosa. Skin-to-skin sexual activity with an infected person is the route of spread.

How to Remove Genital Warts

Treatment options for genital warts

When dealing with genital warts, removal is about managing visible lesions and reducing risk of transmission though it doesn't cure the underlying HPV infection.

Common medical treatment methods include:

• Cryotherapy (freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen) 

• Electrocautery (burning the warts with electric current)

• Laser therapy (for larger or persistent warts)

• Surgical excision (cutting out visible wart tissue)

• Topical prescription medications (creams or solutions applied by patient or clinician) such as imiquimod, podofilox etc.

Your healthcare provider will choose the best approach based on wart size, number, location (e.g., inside the vagina/cervix may need special exam) and patient factors such as pregnancy.

Frequently Asked:

2. How to remove genital warts?
Removal involves medical treatments listed above (cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser, surgery, topical creams). Always under the guidance of a healthcare professional; do not attempt self-treatment using over-the-counter wart products meant for hands/feet these may not be safe for genital skin.

Can Genital Warts Go Away?

What is the outlook?

Yes in many cases genital warts may go away on their own, thanks to the body’s immune system clearing or suppressing the virus. However, there are important caveats:

• Removing visible warts does not eliminate the HPV infection. The virus may still reside in the skin/mucosa and can lead to recurrence.

• Warts may disappear without treatment, remain stable, or worsen (grow larger, multiply) if untreated.

• Even after warts vanish, the person may still transmit HPV and potentially develop warts again.

Frequently Asked:

3. Can genital warts go away?
Yes they can go away spontaneously, or with treatment. But important to recognize: they may also recur and the underlying virus remains. Long-term monitoring and safe sexual practices remain important.

Prevention of Genital Warts

To reduce the chance of developing or transmitting genital warts, employ the following strategies:

• Get the HPV vaccine: Vaccines (such as quadrivalent or nonavalent HPV vaccine) protect against the strains that cause most genital warts and certain cancers.

• Use condoms and dental dams during sexual activity: This reduces but does not entirely eliminate risk because HPV can infect skin not covered by a barrier.

• Limit number of sexual partners and choose long-term monogamous relationships when possible. 

• Avoid smoking and maintain a strong immune system: Smoking impairs immunity and increases risk of persistence of HPV.

• Routine sexual health screening: For example, for women, regular Pap smears and HPV tests are important if infected with HPV.

Living With Genital Warts

If you or your partner are diagnosed with genital warts, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Inform your sexual partner(s). Because HPV can be transmitted even when no warts are visible.

• Avoid sexual contact during active outbreaks when visible warts are present to reduce transmission.

• Follow-up with healthcare provider: In women, warts internally (e.g., cervix, vagina) may require specialist exam (colposcopy, biopsy) to rule out other issues.

• Be aware of emotional impact: Warts may cause anxiety, embarrassment or relationship stress. Counselling or support may help.

• Monitor for recurrence: Because warts can come back. If they re-appear, discuss with provider.

Summary

• Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV strains (primarily types 6 and 11) via sexual skin-to-skin contact.

• They appear as small, flesh-cultured or grey bumps in the genital/anal area, sometimes shaped like cauliflower clusters.

• Removal is possible through medical treatments (cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser, topical medications, surgery) but the underlying virus remains.

• Yes, genital warts can go away spontaneously, but they may also recur and the infected person remains infectious.

• Prevention is key: HPV vaccination, barrier protection, limiting partners, and maintaining immune health all help.

• Open communication with sexual partners and regular health check-ups are part of managing life with / after genital warts.