What Are Genital Warts? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Genital warts develop as a symptom of infection with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Known medically as Condyloma acuminata, genital warts are a common type of sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Even better than treating HPV-related warts is preventing them, and many cases of genital warts can be prevented by the HPV vaccine — the same vaccine that prevents against infection with numerous types of cancer-causing HPV.

HPV isn't a single virus, but rather a group of more than 150 related viruses. Each of these has a designated number, or HPV type.

You can get genital warts if you have intimate, skin-to-skin contact with someone who’s infected with a type of HPV that causes genital warts, even if they don't have any visible warts.

According to MedlinePlus, you have an increased risk of developing and spreading genital warts if you:

• Are pregnant
• Are stressed and have another viral infection, such as herpes
• Have a weakened immune system from medications or other health conditions, including diabetes and HIV or AIDS
• Use tobacco or drink alcohol
• Are sexually active at an early age, or have unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Have another STD

Although genital warts inside the anus predominately affect people who have had receptive anal intercourse, they can also occur in men and women who have no history of anal sexual contact.

Genital warts are usually diagnosed by their appearance, but in some cases, a biopsy may be performed by your doctor or dermatologist to be sure. A biopsy involves removing a part or all of a wart and sending it to a laboratory for further testing.

In women, an abnormal Pap smear (a procedure in which cells removed from the cervix are examined under a microscope) may prompt your doctor to perform a procedure known as colposcopy, which enables the doctor to take a close look at your cervix.

Colposcopy may reveal internal genital warts or other types of abnormal tissue.

Prognosis of Genital Warts

• Encouraging your partner to discuss the HPV vaccine with their doctor if they haven’t already been vaccinated
• Using barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, during vaginal, anal, and oral sex
• Abstaining from sex (even with barrier methods) if you have visible warts
• Not smoking, as smoking may cause a flare-up of warts
• Communicating openly and honestly about your health status and your partner’s risk of getting genital warts from you

Genital warts can go away with or without treatment, or they can last for years. Sometimes genital warts return after they are treated or removed.

Large warts can obstruct the anus, urethra, or vagina, causing difficulties with excretion and sexual relations.

But even when genital warts pose no particular health risks, they are often psychologically distressing to those who have them. Studies conducted in numerous countries around the globe report that people with genital warts often experience shame, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, anxiety, and depression and report a reduced quality of life.

The psychological impact of genital warts alone underscores the benefit of having adolescents vaccinated against HPV, before they’re likely to have been exposed to it.

Pregnancy and Genital Warts

If you have genital warts while pregnant, your doctor will likely remove the warts via cryotherapy, electrocautery, or laser therapy to preempt any problems. However, in cases where the warts are not bothersome, and there is no concern about transmission, they may not need to be treated.

To avoid complications, it’s important to consult your doctor early in your pregnancy if you have genital warts.

What’s the Difference Between HPV and Genital Warts?

Genital HPV types are spread through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex and are so common that almost all men and women will get one type of HPV at some point in their life.

About 90 percent of genital HPV infections go away by themselves, or become undetectable, without treatment.

Sexual Health Resources

If you're sexually active, it's important to educate yourself about STDs. In addition to the resources listed here, many city and state agencies — as well as colleges and universities — offer programs that provide STD information and treatment. Most are free or low-cost.

American Sexual Health Association (ASHA)

This website offers a wealth of information on various aspects of sexual health and wellness – including genital warts and HPV. Be sure to check out their roundup of HPV myths versus facts, and their guide to discussing HPV with your partner.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are a way to stay connected and up-to-date with the latest research into genital warts. This website offers a useful starting point for finding clinical trials near you which are actively recruiting.

Planned Parenthood

This organization is a great source of accessible information about signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of genital warts. They also offer a “Find a Health Center" service to help you locate a place to get tested or treated for genital warts (and other STDs).

Learn More About Sexuality and STD Resources

Additional reporting by Becky Upham.