Genital warts occur in both women and men. They are caused by HPV infections transmitted sexually and manifest in the genital area. The HPV virus (Human papillomavirus) has over 200 different virus types.

Out of these viruses, 40 cause genital warts. The types that most commonly cause warts are HPV 6 and HPV 11. However, these types do not cause cancer. About 60% of women and men encounter the HPV virus at least once in their lifetime.

After entering the body, the virus is generally eliminated or suppressed by the immune system. If not suppressed, the types causing genital warts typically show symptoms within about 1 year after transmission. The virus can be contagious whether or not symptoms appear.

Warts are treated mainly with creams, various burning methods, or surgery depending on their size.

How Does HPV Spread?

HPV virus occurs in both women and men. It spreads through sexual contact. Besides vaginal and anal intercourse, HPV can also spread through skin contact in the genital area not covered by a condom.

Genital warts are not always visible. However, contact of skin infected with HPV to the genital area is enough for the virus to transmit. HPV rarely spreads through oral sex. After HPV enters the body, it can remain dormant for a long time.

Even without symptoms, it can infect other people. Pregnant women with HPV can transmit the virus to their baby during birth. It is not possible to determine from which partner genital warts came or how long the virus has been in the body.

Genital warts are not transmitted through kissing, towels, cutlery, cups, or shared toilets.

How to Protect Against HPV?

• Always use a condom during sexual intercourse.
• People receiving treatment for genital warts should avoid sexual contact until fully healed.
• The HPV vaccine, used worldwide and given from childhood in some countries, also provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Genital Warts?

Genital warts show quite clear symptoms. These viruses appear as small, bubbly, and rough growths about the size of a pinhead. If there are multiple warts, they may merge to form a cauliflower-like shape. Initially, they appear as skin-colored or brownish bumps.

Warts usually do not cause discomfort but can sometimes cause itching or bleeding during sexual intercourse. The common areas where genital warts appear are:

• In women, the vulva area
• Inside or around the vagina in women
• Inside or around the anus
• On the penis in men
• On the testicles in men
• In the groin area in women (where the inner thigh meets the genital region)
• On the cervix in women

How Are Genital Warts Diagnosed?

Genital warts are easily diagnosed by physical examination. Diagnosis is usually made by a Dermatologist. Gynecologists and Urologists can also diagnose warts by visual inspection. In women, routine gynecological exams often detect warts.

If you have genital warts, it is a social responsibility to avoid sexual contact until treatment is completed and to inform your partner. HPV is a risk factor for cervical cancer in women. Therefore, tests for HPV types include:

• Pap smear test
• HPV DNA test
• Colposcopy
• Cervical biopsy

How Are Genital Warts Treated?

There is no treatment to eliminate HPV infection from the body. However, treatments with a high success rate are applied to remove warts. Genital warts are treated easily with creams, cryotherapy (freezing), burning, or surgery if the wart is large.