Genital warts are white or flesh-colored growths that are most often caused by certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts most often appear on the external genitals or near the anus of females and males. Although less common, genital warts can appear inside the vagina and on the cervix. Genital warts can sometimes cause symptoms like burning, itching, or pain. The types of HPV that cause genital warts are different from the types that can cause cervical cancer.
A healthcare professional can usually recognize external genital warts just by seeing them. For genital warts that are harder to see, a healthcare professional will check more closely using a magnifying lens.
Genital warts can disappear on their own without treatment. However, when they are first discovered, there is no way to tell if they will disappear or grow larger. Depending on the size and location of the genital warts, there are several treatment options. A healthcare professional may choose to apply a special cream or solution to the warts. Some genital warts can be removed by either freezing, burning, or using a laser treatment. If the genital warts do not respond to these treatments, a healthcare professional may perform surgery to remove them.
There is a chance that genital warts can reappear after treatment, because the types of HPV that cause them may still be present.
