Genital warts are caused by infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). They are pinhead-sized, cauliflower-like tissue growths which arise on the genitals, around the anus and in the rectum and which can grow to the size of a cherry.

The papilloma viruses are divided into a number of subgroups. Some of these subgroups are implicated in the development of certain types of cancer (e.g. cervical cancer). Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases caused by viruses.

Symptoms and signs

Genital warts appear two to four weeks after infection at the earliest. Several months often elapse before the warts become visible. Genital warts can occur singly or in groups.

They are rarely painful but can cause burning and itching. The appearance of genital warts can vary considerably: they can be flat, nodular or cauliflower-like. Genital warts can be so flat that they are invisible and cannot be detected with the naked eye.

In women genital warts can occur on the labia, in the vagina, around the cervix, the urethral orifice or the anus.

In men the most common sites for genital warts are the shaft of the penis and the foreskin. They can also occur at the urethral orifice, around the anus or in the rectum.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by clinical examination. In order to detect invisible genital viruses the doctor dabs the skin with dilute acetic acid. Warts then show up as white patches.

Gynecologists often use a colposcope, a microscope with a 10 to 30-fold magnification, to examine the skin of the vagina and cervix more closely.

Prevention and treatment

The best protection against genital warts is safer sex.

Genital warts can be treated by dabbing with a cell poison. The treatment often takes months.

The warts can also be removed surgically under local anesthetic (by laser, electrocoagulation or freezing).

Genital warts often recur. As certain types of genital warts play a role in the development of cervical cancer and other types of cancer women should continue to see a doctor at least once a year after successful completion of treatment. This is the only way to detect cancer in the early stages.

Sexual partners should always be treated as well in order to prevent late complications and spread of the infection.