Genital Wart Symptoms
The signs of genital warts can sometimes be difficult to identify by yourself. However, genital wart symptoms are usually consistent and easily identifiable by your doctor. Below follow most of the symptoms of genital warts.
What do genital warts look like?
The size of genital warts: Genital warts may take some time to appear on the skin, and may start out as small as 1-2mm in diameter. The warts can increase in size, become lumpy and cluster together in groups.
The color of genital warts: May vary from pink to red, flesh-colored, white or gray.
The shape: Can be totally flat (which makes it more difficult to spot). The warts can become swollen or raised growths or bumps. The texture can be pearl-like and smooth or rough protrusions. In an even more serious condition, they can cluster together in a cauliflower-like shape.
What do genital warts look like? - View pictures of genital warts.
Where do genital warts occur?
- Mainly warts occur in and around the genitals, anus and the surrounding area.
- There are more than 100 different types of HPV exist, most of which are harmless.
- Genital warts can spread from the groin to the thighs.
- In rare cases, warts can form in the mouth and throat of persons that has had oral sex with an infected person.
Note: Genital warts are caused by HPV (Human papillomavirus). HPV can also cause warts on hands or feet, but this kind of HPV warts does not cause genital warts.
Genital Wart Signs
Beware that genital warts symptoms may take weeks to months before becoming visible.
Signs that you have genital warts:
- Growths in the abovementioned locations
- These wart growths can be itchy
- The surrounding area can be more moist than normal
- The warts are not always painful but usually uncomfortable and irritating (itchy)
- The genital warts can increase in size
- With women, there may occur abnormal vaginal discharge or even vaginal bleeding
Genital warts symptoms are difficult to notice
In some cases, a person infected with HPV may show no genital wart signs at all. The time span for genital warts symptoms to appear can be anything from a week to years or not at all. Even when the genital wart signs do appear, the warts may be too small or flat to be immediately noticed. The normal period for genital warts symptoms to appear are between one and three months. Persons may have genital warts but without showing major genital warts symptoms may not be aware of the condition at all and be a risk to other sexual partners. Therefore, anyone who suspect that he/she shows genital wart signs should consult his/her doctor immediately.
Genital warts in women (Vaginal Genital Warts Symptoms)
Vaginal genital warts occur in and around the vagina. It can also appear on and around the cervix, vulva, urethra and anus. Vaginal wart signs can be itchiness, moistness, vaginal discharge or bleeding. Genital warts signs are more commonly found in females than in males.
Women should be increasingly cautious for genital warts symptoms during pregnancy. This can be extremely dangerous because the warts can spread to the baby during child birth. During pregnancy the warts around the urethra can also enlarge, making it painful to urinate. Vaginal warts also decrease elasticity of the vagina which will make childbirth even more difficult and painful.
If you think you display genital wart signs, immediately see a gynecologist as genital warts symptoms can easily be identified during a Pap smear test.
Genital warts in men (Penile Genital Warts Symptoms)
Penile genital warts occur in and around the area of the penis. Genital warts signs are less frequently found in men than in women. Penile Genital warts usually occur on the tip of the penis, however they may also occur on the shaft, scrotum and around the anus. The warts can be hidden by hair or underneath the foreskin. If any of the genital wart signs are spotted, consult your doctor immediately.
Genital warts in children
If your child complains of any genital wart symptoms, such as itchiness around the genital or anal area, or of the occurrence of warts you should take him/her to the doctor immediately. In younger children, symptoms of genital warts could be a sign of sexual abuse and the issue should be closely investigated and counseling action should be taken. In older children, genital wart signs could be a sign of promiscuous or irresponsible sexual activity and you should make sure that your child is fully informed about the dangers of STD's.
Genital warts signs and STD's
If you show any genital wart signs this means that you have contracted an STD. Genital warts is mainly a sexually transmitted disease and if you are having intercourse with a number of partners the risks are high that you can also contract a number of other STD's.
Cancer-causing HPV
A minority of genital warts may lead to the development of cervical or penile cancer. Therefore, as soon as any genital wart symptoms are spotted it is crucial to see your doctor for proper treatment. Women who show genital warts signs should have regular Pap smear tests.
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