What are genital warts?

Genital warts are soft warts that grow on

and around the external genitals and anus of
both sexes of sexually active adolescents
and adults. They are not the usual hard warts
that we get on our hands and other body
parts but are usually soft fleshy lumps that
grow in clusters, sometimes like bunches of
tiny grapes or cauliflowers.
What are the symptoms?
The lumps are found on or around the penis
in men, around the vaginal opening in
women and near the anus in both sexes.
They do not usually cause irritating symp-
toms such as pain or itching.
What is the cause?
They are caused by one of a variety of
human papillomaviruses that cause all types
of warts in humans. The infection is rela-
tively easily spread from person to person
through close human contact. It is usually
spread through sexual activity and may take
several months to develop after the infec-
tion is acquired.
The risk increases with multiple sexual part-
ners and not using condoms.
Do genital warts occur in children?
Yes, they can but it is very uncommon and
if found, the possibility of sexual abuse
must be considered. However, most cases
are due to normal parent-child contact.
What are the risks?
The warts can eventually disappear with
no treatment but most people choose to
have them treated.
They are contagious and can be spread to
sexual partners. Condoms should be used
but do not always protect against sexual
transmission as the condom may not
cover the affected part.
Although some types of papillomavirus
are associated with cervical cancer in
women, the virus that causes actual warts
is a different type, so women with warts
are not generally at an increased risk of
cancer.
However, in general if a person has been
exposed to one type of sexually transmit-
ted condition, it is a good idea to check
for others.
Regular Pap smears should be taken as
usual.
How can spread be prevented?
Genital warts are contagious, so sexual
activity should be avoided until all the
warts heal completely and then condoms
used during sex.
Try not to scratch the warts as this may
cause them to spread.
If a sexual partner has genital warts, they
should see their doctor.
What is the treatment?
The treatment varies according to size and
position of the warts and is therefore
selected on an individual basis. They can
be treated by chemical or physical means
(eg, liquid nitrogen or the application of
chemicals to the area).
Despite adequate treatment, it is common
for genital warts to recur. However, they
can be retreated.
The simplest treatment for small numbers
of warts is podophyllotoxin paint which is
usually applied twice a week by your doc-
tor.
Depending on the position of the warts, it
is sometimes possible for people to apply
preparations themselves under instruc-
tion.
A promising, new but more expensive
chemical agent that works through the
immune system is imiquimod cream
applied three times a week.
Genital warts are a common but some-
times embarrassing problem and it is
helpful to discuss your feelings with your
doctor. Follow-up visits are important.
PATIENT INFORMATION
Genital warts
AUTHOR: PROFESSOR JOHN MURTAGH
Copyright of Professor John Murtagh and Australian Doctor. This patient handout may be photocopied or printed out by a doctor free of charge for patient information purposes.
Typical spread of warts in the female
Typical spread of warts in the male
Vagina
Labia
Anus
Shaft
Corona
Glans of penis