• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Genital warts

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Genital warts are soft wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease. Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Alternative Names:

Condylomata acuminata; Penile warts; Human papilloma virus (HPV); Venereal warts; Condyloma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The virus responsible for genital warts is called human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus can cause warts on the penis , vulva , urethra, vagina , cervix , and around the anus.

HPV infection around the genitals is common, although most people have no symptoms. Even if you do NOT have symptoms, however, you must be treated to avoid complications and spreading the condition to others.

There are more than 70 different types of HPV. Several types are associated with genital warts. Other types are associated with common or flat warts elsewhere on the skin.

HPV grows well in the moist genital area. Warts on the outer genitals are easily recognized. They are raised, flesh-colored lesions that may occur singly or in clusters. Left untreated, warts may rapidly enlarge, taking on a "cauliflower-like" appearance.

In women, HPV can invade the vagina and cervix. These warts are flat and not easily visible without special procedures. Because HPV can lead to cancerous and precancerous changes in the cervix , it is important that this condition be diagnosed and treated. Regular pap smears are necessary to detect HPV or other abnormal changes related to this virus. Having both HPV and herpes virus together puts you at particular risk for cervical cancer .

The following factors put you at higher risk for getting genital warts and other complications of HPV:

• Multiple sexual partners
• Not knowing if someone you had sex with had STDs
• Early age when you start to be sexually active
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Stress and other viral infections (such as HIV or herpes) at the same time

If a child has genital warts, you should suspect sexual abuse as a possible cause.

References:

US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Licenses New Vaccine for Prevention of Cervical Cancer and Other Diseases in Females Caused by Human Papillomavirus . Rockville, MD: National Press Office; June 8, 2006. P06-77.

Kodner CM. Management of genital warts. Am Fam Physician . 2004; 70(12): 2335-42.

Stenchever, MA. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc; 2001.

• Review Date: 2/8/2007
• Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.