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Genital Warts

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Genital warts grow on or around your sex organs. They are seen most often in young adults. In the United States, warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

Causes

The warts are caused by the human papilloma (PAP-ih-LOW-muh) virus (HPV). This virus is spread by vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Signs/Symptoms

You'll notice one or more warts--small, soft bumps that can be pink, red, white, or brown. In men, they appear in or around the opening of the penis or around the rectum. Women may develop them inside the vagina, rectum, or the urinary canal. They may also appear in the genital area (between the legs). Left untreated, the warts may spread and grow.

Care

The doctor may give you a medicine to remove the warts. They can also be removed by freezing, burning, or cutting. Since HPV can cause cancer, it's important to get rid of the infection completely. If you are pregnant (or think you might be), tell the doctor.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

  • It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The warts will not go away without repeated treatment.
  • Do NOT try to treat the warts with medicine used for hand warts. This type of medicine is very strong and can burn the skin in the genital area.
  • Tell all sexual partners with whom you had sex before treatment that you have genital warts. They also may be infected and need treatment.
  • Do not have sex while you are being treated for warts. After that, use of a latex condom during sex will help protect both of you from possible re-infection.
  • Do not touch or scratch the warts; you could spread them to other parts of your body.
  • Women with genital warts should have a cervical cancer check (Pap smear) at least once a year. This type of cancer is slow-growing and can be cured if found early.

Call Your Doctor If...

  • The treated skin becomes red, swollen, or painful.
  • You have a high temperature.
  • You feel generally ill.
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