Genital Warts

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are similar to common warts, but are found around or in the penis, rectum, vagina, or cervix. They are single or multiple soft, fleshy, small growths shaped like little cauliflowers on the skin. They are light pink or gray. They usually appear 1 to 6 months after you have been infected.

What is the cause?

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. The virus that causes them belongs to the virus group called human papillomavirus (HPV). Another name for these warts is condylomata acuminata. It takes weeks to months for warts to develop after you are exposed. For this reason it is sometimes difficult to know who has infected you if you have been sexually active with more than one person.

Women with genital warts are at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

How long do they last?

Like warts on other parts of the body, genital warts usually clear with treatment but they may return months or years later. Treatment may require one or many visits.

What is the treatment?

Some treatments include:

• Podofilox: Podofilox comes as a liquid or gel. You should use a cotton swab to put the liquid on to the warts. If you are using the gel, use your finger to put the gel on the warts. Use the medicine 2 times a day for 3 days, then stop using it for 4 days. You may need to repeat this cycle up to four times. Your health care provider will probably apply the first treatment to show you how to properly put on the medicine and tell you which warts should be treated. If you are pregnant, ask your health care provider if this medicine is safe.
• Imiquimod: Imiquimod is a cream that is put on the warts three times a week at bedtime. You may have to use the cream for up to 16 weeks. The area should be washed with soap and water 6 to 10 hours after you put on the cream. If you are pregnant, ask your health care provider if this medicine is safe.
• Podophyllin: Podophyllin is a liquid solution that is painted directly on the wart. It can be irritating to the skin and needs to be completely washed off 4 hours after it is applied. If the warts are still present after 1 week, additional treatments will be necessary. Women who are or may be pregnant should not use podophyllin.
• Liquid nitrogen: Liquid nitrogen is a very cold gas that is applied directly to the wart. It can be irritating to the skin and the affected area might become red and swollen about 2 hours after "freezing." If the warts are still present after one week, additional treatments will be necessary.
• Other methods of treatment: When podophyllin or liquid nitrogen therapy fails, it might be necessary to remove the warts, either by laser therapy or surgical excision. These methods of treatment involve referral to a gynecologist or urologist.
• Contacts: Tell your sexual partner about the warts so he or she may be treated if he or she has warts.
• Prevention: Because genital warts are sexually transmitted, there are ways that you can help prevent the spread of this infection. Not having sexual intercourse (abstinence) is the best method of prevention. Use of condoms is the next best method. In addition, you are less likely to get a sexually transmitted disease if you have just one sexual partner.

  Women who have had genital warts have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Every woman (with or without genital warts) should get a yearly pelvic exam and pap smear.

When should I call the doctor?

Call during office hours if you have any additional questions or concerns.