Genital warts

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Female reproductive anatomy

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Genital warts

Alternative Names:

Condylomata acuminata; Penile warts; Human papilloma virus (HPV); Venereal warts; Condyloma

Symptoms:

Raised, flesh-colored lesions on the genitals, anus, or surrounding skin
Cauliflower-like appearing growths around the anus or genitals
Increased dampness or moisture in the area of the growths
Itching of the penis, scrotum, anal area, or a vulvar itch
Increased vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (not associated with a menstrual period) after sexual intercourse

Often, however, there are no symptoms.

Signs and tests:

A genital examination reveals flesh-colored to white, flat or raised, single or clustered lesions anywhere on the genitalia.

In women, a pelvic examination may reveal growths on the vaginal walls or the cervix. Magnification (colposcopy) may be used to see lesions invisible to the naked eye. The tissue of the vagina and cervix may be treated with acetic acid to make the warts visible. A pap smear may note changes associated with HPV.

References:

Kodner CM. Management of genital warts. Am Fam Physician. 2004; 70(12): 2335-42.

Stenchever, MA. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, Inc; 2001.

Review Date: 5/3/2006
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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