Genital Warts

What are genital warts?

Genital warts (GW) are viral infections of the skin. GW is one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections. GW if not removed timely can in long term develop into significant health problems like skin cancer.

Where do they cause infection and how to diagnose them?

Genital warts mainly affect the soft tissues of the genital areas. These warts appear around the scrotum, anus, or penis in men and around the vulva, cervix, vagina, or anus in women. GW can be diagnosed by appearance, genital warts are small flesh-colored bumps, which can look like cauliflower from above. In most cases, genital warts are not visible and are quite small.

GW and other warts that occur anywhere on the body are all caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

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Symptoms of Genital Warts –

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Most people with HPV infection do not see developed warts. If warts are visible, they can appear weeks, months, and even years after exposure to the virus. In appearance, these warts are like small fleshy bulges. In some cases, the warts are so small that they are difficult to see.

When should I see a doctor?

A doctor must be visited in the following situations:

• If you are experiencing symptoms associated with GW.
• If you have recently had a relationship with a new sexual partner and are experiencing symptoms.
• If a person is feeling their symptoms and his partner has had unprotected sex with another person.
• If one sexual partner is suffering from its symptoms, then the other person is advised to go to the doctor, as they may have a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
• If the patient has a sexually transmitted infection.
• If the patient is a pregnant woman or trying to become pregnant.