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Genital Warts, sometimes called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, are flesh-colored or gray growths found in the genital area and anal region in both men and women. Genital warts can also be transmitted to the mouth and throat during oral sexual contact with an infected partner. Genital warts affect both men and women and can occur at any age, however most patients are seen between the ages of 17-33 years. In children younger than 3 years, genital warts are thought to be transmitted by nonsexual modes such as direct manual contact. The presence of genital warts in children can raise the suspicion of sexual abuse although genital warts may be transmitted from an infected mother to an infant during vaginal birth.
Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. The warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts are highly contagious. You have a 60% risk of getting the infection in a single sexual contact with someone who has genital warts. Keep in mind that infection with genital warts may not be obvious. Several forms of HPV have been associated with various genital cancers including cervical cancer.
Warts on the genitals can be passed to another person during sexual intercourse. It is important not to have unprotected sex if you or your partner has warts on the genital area. In women, warts can grow on the cervix (inside the vagina), and a woman may not know she has them. She may pass the infection to her sexual partner without even knowing it.
Although genital warts are generally painless, they may be bothersome because of their location, size or due to itching. Genital warts may range in size from less than 1 millimeter across to several square centimeters when many warts join together. Men and women with genital warts will often complain of painless bumps, itching, and discharge. In rare cases, bleeding or urinary obstruction may be the initial problem when the wart involves the urethral opening (the opening where urine exits the body.)
Genital wart symptoms for men
In men, genital warts can infect the urethra, penis, scrotum, and rectal area. The warts can appear as soft, raised masses with a surface that can be smooth (on the penile shaft) or rough with many fingerlike projections (anal warts). Others may appear pearly, cauliflower-like, or rough with a slightly dark surface. Most lesions are raised, but some may be flat with only slight elevation above the skin surface. Infection with HPV may be dormant or undetectable, with some lesions hidden by hair or in the inner aspect of the uncircumcised foreskin in males.
Genital wart symptoms for women
In women, genital warts have a similar appearance and usually occur in the moist areas of the labia minora and vaginal opening. Lesions visible on the outer genitals require a thorough examination of the vaginal canal, cervix, and anorectal area. Most vaginal warts occur without symptoms. Rarely, women may experience bleeding after sexual intercourse, itching, or vaginal discharge.