A Center for Comprehensive Women's Health
Genital warts are actually a sexually transmitted infection (STI) where the presence of a soft growth occurs on the genitals. This can occur in both males and females. Genital warts are caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and certain strains may cause cancer of the cervix and vulva in women.
Genital warts are not always visible to the human eye, but you should look for a soft growth that is often very small and flesh colored or sometimes slightly darker. The top of a growth may look similar to cauliflower and will either feel smooth or slightly bumpy.
The presence of genital warts depends on the gender.
For men, genital warts may occur anywhere on the penis, the scrotum, the groin, the thighs, or around the anus, including the inside of the anus.
For women, genital warts may occur anywhere inside or outside of the either the vagina or the anus, or on the cervix.
Oral Contact
Understand that genital warts may also occur on the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat of a person that had engaged in oral sexual contact with an infected individual. This can occur to both genders.
Symptoms of Genital Warts
Genital warts often cause mild discomfort such as pain and itching and usually no other concerns.
Dr. Torbati will first have to diagnose genital warts as the cause of your concerns, often by a physical examination. He may have to swab out a sample from the cervix in females (pap smear) to test for HPV, which is the virus that causes genital warts in both males and females.
The virus itself that causes genital warts may not be cured, but the warts and the symptoms may be easily managed with help from your gynecologist.
Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment is often fairly simple. Warts will either go away on their own with time or a topical may be prescribed to encourage healing. Worst-case scenario your warts may have to be surgically removed either by burning, freezing, laser, or cut. This procedure is very quick and painless.
Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Torbati for genital warts & HPV treatment today.
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