Genital warts: what they are, causes and treatment

Genital warts, technically called condyloma acuminatum or venereal warts, are skin lesions caused by the HPV virus, which can be transmitted during unprotected sex.

Thus, warts can arise in both men and women, in places that came into contact with the virus, being generally the most affected the head of the penis, the scrotum, labia and the region around the anus, for example.

Many times, warts arise several days or months after the transmission of the disease, since the virus has a fairly long incubation time. Therefore, even if you do not have symptoms, it is possible to have the HPV virus in your body, which is why condoms should always be used during sexual intercourse, especially with new partners. 

Genital warts: what they are, causes and treatment

Main causes

The main cause of genital warts is HPV virus types 6 and 11, which give rise to cauliflower-like warts. Types 16 and 18 give rise to the flatter warts, which can be confused with other sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, for example. In this case, the physician may order a syphilis test to rule out this diagnosis and confirm that the lesion is caused by the HPV virus.

Symptoms and signs of genital warts

Genital warts resemble small calluses growing on the skin, with a surface that resembles broccoli or cauliflower, for example. In addition, it is common for them to have a darker spot in the center. 

Although rare, along with warts other symptoms may also arise such as:

  • Itching or slight discomfort in the affected area;
  • Slight tingling sensation;
  • Bleeding during sexual intercourse.

    • Warts may be small or large, skin-colored, pink or chestnut-colored, rough or rough to the touch, and may have a cauliflower or cockscomb appearance. In some cases, the warts may develop very close together, causing a larger lesion.

    In rarer cases, infection in addition to warts may result in the development of cancer, especially cervical or anal cancer, as some types of viruses cause these types of sequelae. 

    How is the diagnosis confirmed?

    The best way to confirm that it is genital warts is to consult a gynecologist, in the case of women, or a urologist in the case of men. In these cases, the doctor, in addition to evaluating skin lesions and other symptoms, may also ask several questions to help classify the risk that you may actually have an HPV infection, such as whether you have had unprotected sex or if you have had more than one sexual partner, for example. 

    Also, because some warts can be very small and cause difficulty to see with the naked eye, your doctor may need to order other tests such as pap smears in women or peniscopy in men. Learn about other diseases that can be identified by pap smears.

    How is HPV transmitted?

    The development of genital warts happens when the HPV virus manages to enter the body. This usually happens when having unprotected sex with someone infected by the virus, due to direct contact with the warts.

    However, this does not mean that just because warts are not observed, it is not possible to spread the virus, since in some people they can be very small and difficult to see with the naked eye.

    Thus, the best recommendation is always to use a condom during intercourse. And, in cases of people with warts, the condom should completely cover all warts. However, the latter does not fully guarantee protection. Learn more about how to protect yourself from getting HPV.

    How treatment is performed

    Treatment for genital warts is usually done with the use of creams and ointments, however, in some cases the doctor may indicate removal of the warts with laser, nitrogen cryotherapy or surgery.

    The complete treatment time may take up to 2 years and sometimes after treatment there may be a recurrence of lesions on the genital organs. Learn about treatment options for genital warts.

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