What are genital warts. How are they transmitted. What are the symptoms of genital warts in men. How are genital warts diagnosed and treated. Can genital warts be prevented. What complications can arise from untreated genital warts. How do genital warts affect sexual health and relationships.

Understanding Genital Warts: A Common Sexually Transmitted Infection

Genital warts are a widespread sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These small, flesh-colored growths can appear on the genitals, anus, and surrounding areas in both men and women. While often benign, genital warts can cause discomfort and psychological distress, making it crucial to understand their nature, symptoms, and available treatment options.

Are genital warts always visible? Not necessarily. In some cases, genital warts may be too small to see with the naked eye or may be located in areas that are difficult to observe. This is why regular sexual health check-ups are essential, especially for sexually active individuals.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Genital Warts in Men

Identifying genital warts early can lead to prompt treatment and prevent further transmission. In men, the symptoms of genital warts may include:

• Small, flesh-colored or grayish bumps on the penis, scrotum, or anus
• Clusters of warts that resemble cauliflower
• Itching or discomfort in the genital area
• Bleeding during sexual intercourse

Is it possible to have genital warts without symptoms? Yes, some men may be carriers of the HPV virus without displaying any visible warts. This asymptomatic nature of the infection can contribute to its spread, highlighting the importance of regular STI screenings.

The Human Papillomavirus: The Culprit Behind Genital Warts

HPV is a diverse group of viruses, with over 100 different types identified. However, only a few strains are responsible for causing genital warts. The most common HPV types associated with genital warts are:

• HPV-6
• HPV-11
• HPV-16
• HPV-18

How is HPV transmitted? The virus is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It’s important to note that condoms provide some protection against HPV transmission, but they do not completely eliminate the risk as the virus can infect areas not covered by condoms.

Diagnosing Genital Warts: Medical Examinations and Tests

Accurate diagnosis of genital warts is crucial for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers typically employ the following methods to diagnose genital warts:

1. Visual examination: A doctor inspects the genital area for visible warts
2. Acetic acid test: Application of a vinegar solution to highlight potential warts
3. Biopsy: In rare cases, a small tissue sample may be taken for laboratory analysis
4. HPV DNA test: To identify the specific HPV strain causing the infection

Can genital warts be mistaken for other conditions? Yes, sometimes genital warts can be confused with other skin conditions such as molluscum contagiosum, skin tags, or pearly penile papules. This is why professional medical evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Genital Warts: From Topical Medications to Surgical Interventions

While there is no cure for the HPV virus itself, there are several treatment options available to manage genital warts and alleviate symptoms. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the size, location, and number of warts, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatment approaches include:

Topical Medications

• Imiquimod: Enhances the body’s immune response to fight the virus
• Podofilox: Destroys wart tissue
• Sinecatechins: A green tea extract with antiviral properties

In-Office Procedures

• Cryotherapy: Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen
• Electrocautery: Burning warts with an electric current
• Laser therapy: Using focused light to remove warts
• Surgical excision: Cutting out the warts under local anesthesia

How long does it take for genital warts to clear up after treatment? The duration of treatment and recovery can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the chosen treatment method. Some treatments may require multiple sessions over several weeks, while others may show results more quickly.

Prevention Strategies: Vaccines and Safe Sexual Practices

Preventing genital warts and HPV infection is crucial for maintaining sexual health. The most effective prevention strategies include:

• HPV vaccination: Recommended for both males and females, ideally before becoming sexually active
• Consistent condom use: Reduces the risk of HPV transmission, although it doesn’t provide complete protection
• Regular STI screenings: Early detection can prevent the spread of the virus
• Limiting sexual partners: Reduces exposure to potentially infected individuals
• Open communication: Discussing sexual health history with partners

Does the HPV vaccine protect against all types of genital warts? The current HPV vaccines protect against the most common HPV strains that cause genital warts and certain cancers. However, they do not protect against all HPV types, emphasizing the importance of combining vaccination with other prevention methods.

Potential Complications of Untreated Genital Warts

While genital warts are often benign, leaving them untreated can lead to various complications:

• Increased risk of HIV transmission: Genital warts can create small tears in the skin, facilitating HIV infection
• Cancer risk: Some HPV strains are associated with an increased risk of penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers
• Psychological impact: Untreated warts can cause anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction
• Fertility issues: In rare cases, extensive warts may interfere with urinary function or fertility

Can genital warts lead to cancer in men? While the HPV strains that typically cause genital warts are considered low-risk for cancer, some high-risk HPV types can increase the risk of certain cancers. Regular check-ups and early treatment are essential for monitoring and managing potential risks.

Living with Genital Warts: Impact on Relationships and Sexual Health

A diagnosis of genital warts can have significant psychological and social implications. Many individuals experience feelings of shame, anxiety, or fear about disclosing their condition to sexual partners. However, open communication and education are key to managing the condition and maintaining healthy relationships.

How should one disclose a genital warts diagnosis to a partner? Honesty and transparency are crucial. Choose a private, comfortable setting to have the conversation. Provide accurate information about the condition, its transmission, and prevention methods. Be prepared to answer questions and offer support resources.

Coping Strategies for Individuals with Genital Warts

• Seek support from healthcare providers, counselors, or support groups
• Educate yourself about the condition to dispel myths and reduce anxiety
• Practice self-care and stress management techniques
• Maintain open communication with sexual partners
• Adhere to treatment plans and follow-up appointments

Can individuals with genital warts have a normal sex life? With proper treatment, protection, and communication, many people with genital warts can maintain healthy sexual relationships. However, it’s important to follow medical advice and take precautions to prevent transmission to partners.

Advances in Genital Warts Research: Future Treatments and Prevention

The field of genital warts research is continually evolving, with scientists exploring new treatment options and prevention strategies. Some promising areas of research include:

• Development of more effective topical treatments with fewer side effects
• Exploration of immunotherapy approaches to boost the body’s natural defenses against HPV
• Improvements in HPV vaccines to cover a broader range of virus strains
• Investigation of novel diagnostic techniques for earlier and more accurate detection

What new treatments for genital warts are on the horizon? While specific treatments are still in various stages of research and development, there is ongoing work on targeted therapies that could more effectively clear HPV infections and prevent recurrence of genital warts.

The Role of Genetic Research in Understanding HPV Susceptibility

Recent studies have begun to explore genetic factors that may influence an individual’s susceptibility to HPV infection and the development of genital warts. This research could potentially lead to more personalized prevention and treatment strategies in the future.

How might genetic research impact genital warts treatment? By identifying genetic markers associated with HPV susceptibility or resistance, researchers may be able to develop more targeted therapies or preventive measures tailored to an individual’s genetic profile.

Debunking Myths and Misconceptions About Genital Warts

Misinformation about genital warts can lead to unnecessary fear and stigma. It’s important to address common myths and provide accurate information:

• Myth: Genital warts are always visible.
• Fact: Warts can be too small to see or located in hard-to-observe areas.
• Myth: Only promiscuous people get genital warts.
• Fact: Anyone who is sexually active can contract HPV and develop genital warts.
• Myth: Condoms provide complete protection against HPV.
• Fact: While condoms reduce the risk, they don’t cover all potentially infected areas.
• Myth: Genital warts always lead to cancer.
• Fact: Most genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV strains not associated with cancer.

Can genital warts be transmitted through non-sexual contact? While genital warts are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, there is a small risk of transmission through other forms of intimate skin-to-skin contact. However, the risk of transmission through casual contact (e.g., sharing towels or toilet seats) is extremely low.

The Global Burden of Genital Warts: Epidemiology and Public Health Implications

Genital warts represent a significant global health challenge, with millions of cases diagnosed worldwide each year. The prevalence and incidence of genital warts vary across different regions and populations, influenced by factors such as vaccination rates, sexual behaviors, and access to healthcare.

Key Epidemiological Statistics

• Genital warts affect approximately 1% of sexually active adults in the United States
• The peak incidence occurs in young adults aged 20-24 years
• HPV vaccination programs have led to significant reductions in genital warts incidence in some countries

What impact has HPV vaccination had on genital warts rates? In countries with high HPV vaccination coverage, such as Australia, there have been dramatic decreases in genital warts incidence, particularly among younger age groups. This demonstrates the potential of widespread vaccination in controlling the spread of HPV and reducing the burden of genital warts.

Public Health Strategies for Genital Warts Prevention

Effective public health approaches to reducing the prevalence of genital warts include:

1. Comprehensive sex education programs in schools
2. Promotion of HPV vaccination through public awareness campaigns
3. Improving access to sexual health services and STI screenings
4. Implementing national HPV vaccination programs for both males and females
5. Conducting ongoing surveillance and research to monitor HPV trends and vaccine effectiveness

How can public health initiatives improve genital warts prevention and management? By combining education, vaccination, and accessible healthcare services, public health initiatives can significantly reduce the incidence of genital warts and improve overall sexual health outcomes in the population.

Integrative Approaches to Managing Genital Warts: Combining Conventional and Alternative Therapies

While conventional medical treatments remain the cornerstone of genital warts management, some individuals seek complementary approaches to support their overall health and potentially enhance treatment outcomes. It’s important to note that these alternative therapies should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, standard medical care.

Potential Complementary Approaches

• Immune-boosting supplements: Zinc, vitamin C, and echinacea may support immune function
• Stress reduction techniques: Meditation, yoga, or counseling to manage stress-related immune suppression
• Dietary modifications: Emphasizing nutrient-rich foods to support overall health and immune function
• Topical application of natural remedies: Tea tree oil or green tea extract, under medical supervision

Can alternative therapies cure genital warts? While some alternative approaches may provide supportive benefits, there is currently no scientific evidence that they can cure genital warts or eliminate HPV infection. Always consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating any alternative therapies into your treatment plan.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach

Managing genital warts effectively often requires addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and psychological aspects of the condition. A holistic approach that combines medical treatment with lifestyle modifications and psychological support can lead to better overall outcomes and improved quality of life for individuals dealing with genital warts.

How can a holistic approach benefit individuals with genital warts? By addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the condition, a holistic approach can help reduce stress, improve treatment adherence, and enhance overall well-being, potentially leading to better management of genital warts and associated HPV infections.

Genital warts: Diagnosis and treatment

Diseases & conditions

• 
  
  Coronavirus Resource Center
  
• 
  
  Acne
  
• 
  
  Eczema
  
• 
  
  Hair loss
  
• 
  
  Psoriasis
  
• 
  
  Rosacea
  
• 
  
  Skin cancer
  
• 
  
  A to Z diseases
  
• 
  
  A to Z videos
  

• DIY acne treatment
• How dermatologists treat
• Skin care: Acne-prone skin
• Causes
• Is it really acne?

• Types & treatments
• Childhood eczema
• Adult eczema
• Insider secrets

• Types of hair loss
• Treatment for hair loss
• Causes of hair loss
• Hair care matters
• Insider secrets

• What is psoriasis
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Skin, hair & nail care
• Triggers
• Insider secrets

• What is rosacea
• Treatment
• Skin care & triggers
• Insider secrets

• Types and treatment
• Find skin cancer
• Prevent skin cancer
• Raise awareness
• Español

Featured

How Natalie cleared her adult acne

Natalie tried many acne products without success. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding.

JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication

JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know.

Everyday care

• 
  
  Skin care basics
  
• 
  
  Skin care secrets
  
• 
  
  Injured skin
  
• 
  
  Itchy skin
  
• 
  
  Sun protection
  
• 
  
  Hair & scalp care
  
• 
  
  Nail care secrets
  

• Basic skin care
• Dry, oily skin
• Hair removal
• Tattoos and piercings

• Anti-aging skin care
• For your face
• For your skin routine
• Preventing skin problems

• Bites & stings
• Burns, cuts, & other wounds

• Itch relief
• Poison ivy, oak & sumac
• Rashes

• Shade, clothing, and sunscreen
• Sun damage and your skin
• Aprenda a proteger su piel del sol

• Your hair
• Your scalp

• Nail care basics
• Manicures & pedicures

Featured

Practice Safe Sun

Everyone’s at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists’ tips tell you how to protect your skin.

Relieve uncontrollably itchy skin

Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.

Darker Skin Tones

• 
  
  Skin care secrets
  
• 
  
  Hair care
  
• 
  
  Hair loss
  
• 
  
  Diseases & Conditions
  

• Acne
• Dark spots
• Dry skin
• Light spots
• Razor bumps

• Caring for Black hair
• Scalp psoriasis
• Weaves & extensions

• Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia
• Hairstyles that pull can cause hair loss

• Acanthosis nigricans
• Acne keloidalis nuchae
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Keloid scars
• Lupus and your skin
• Sarcoidosis and your skin
• Skin cancer
• Vitiligo
• More diseases & conditions

Featured

Fade dark spots

Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them.

Untreatable razor bumps or acne?

If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help.

Cosmetic treatments

• 
  
  Your safety
  
• 
  
  Age spots & dark marks
  
• 
  
  Cellulite & fat removal
  
• 
  
  Hair removal
  
• 
  
  Scars & stretch marks
  
• 
  
  Wrinkles
  
• 
  
  Younger-looking skin
  

Featured

Laser hair removal

You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?

Scar treatment

If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

Botox

It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.

Public health programs

• 
  
  Skin cancer awareness
  
• 
  
  Free skin cancer screenings
  
• 
  
  Kids’ camp
  
• 
  
  Good Skin Knowledge
  
• 
  
  Shade Structure grants
  
• 
  
  Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™
  
• 
  
  Awareness campaigns
  
• 
  
  Flyers & posters
  
• 
  
  Get involved
  

• Lesson plans and activities
• Community grants

Featured

Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.

Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use

Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.

Find a dermatologist

• 
  
  Find a dermatologist
  
• 
  
  What is a dermatologist?
  
• 
  
  FAAD: What it means
  
• 
  
  How to select a dermatologist
  
• 
  
  Your digital health
  
• 
  
  Prior authorization
  
• 
  
  Dermatologists team up to improve patient care
  

• Finding accurate health information
• Health apps
• Wearable medical devices
• Telemedicine
• Protect your information

Featured

Find a Dermatologist

You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.

What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.

Genital Warts | HPV | Human Papillomavirus

Also called: Condylomata acuminate, Venereal warts

On this page

Basics

• Summary
• Start Here
• Prevention and Risk Factors

Learn More

• Specifics

See, Play and Learn

• Images

Research

• Clinical Trials
• Journal Articles

Resources

• Find an Expert

For You

• Teenagers
• Patient Handouts

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area. They are flesh-colored and can be flat or look bumpy like cauliflower. Some genital warts are so small you cannot see them. In women, the warts usually occur in or around the vagina, on the cervix, or around the anus. In men, genital warts are less common. They may have warts on the tip of the penis, around the anus, or on the scrotum, thigh, or groin.

You can get genital warts during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading HPV. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex. HPV vaccines may help prevent some of the HPV infections that cause genital warts.

Your health care provider usually diagnoses genital warts by seeing them. The warts might disappear on their own. If not, your health care provider can treat or remove them. HPV stays in your body even after treatment, so warts can come back.

Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health

• Genital Warts

  (Cleveland Clinic Foundation)

• Genital Warts

  (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

  Also in Spanish

• Genital Warts

  (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health)

  Also in Spanish

• HPV Vaccine

  (Nemours Foundation)

  Also in Spanish

• Vaccinating Boys and Girls

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• Anal Warts

  (American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)

  Also in Spanish

• Genital Wart (Condyloma Acuminatum)

  (VisualDX)

• ClinicalTrials. gov: Condylomata Acuminata

  (National Institutes of Health)

• Article: Facilitators and barriers to voluntary medical male circumcision as an HIV. ..

• Article: Condyloma acuminata: An evaluation of the immune response at cellular and…

• Article: Condylomata Lata and Papular Rash of Secondary Syphilis.

• Genital Warts — see more articles

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  Also in Spanish

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

• Genital Warts (For Parents)

  (Nemours Foundation)

  Also in Spanish

• Genital Warts (HPV)

  (Nemours Foundation)

  Also in Spanish

• Condom Fact Sheet in Brief

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  – PDF

  Also in Spanish

• Genital warts

  (Medical Encyclopedia)

  Also in Spanish

Genital warts or genital warts on the male genital organs

Genital warts or genital warts is a manifestation of human papillomavirus infection (HPV) in the body in the form of growths on the genitals of a man or woman.

Genital warts can occur in both men and women. Curing genital warts is a very long and difficult process. The Center for Advanced Medicine Only Clinic has the resources to detect and treat genital warts.

Why do genital warts appear on men?

The reason for the formation of condylomas on the genitals of a man is the ingestion of the human papillomavirus (HPV) or papillomavirus infection into the body of a man.

The main way HPV is transmitted is through sexual contact. Moreover, HPV can be transmitted during normal, oral or anal sexual contact.

A man can detect genital warts on his own, because, as a rule, warts are immediately visible.

Usually warts in men appear directly on the head or foreskin. Warts are usually a few millimeters in size. Warts located nearby can merge and form a cluster of warts. Warts are constantly growing.

Complications of warts

Treatment of warts in men is very important. Treatment of genital warts in men should be done as soon as it has formed.

When warts appear on the male genital organs, they are small in size and may not bother a man in any way.

But condyloma is always slowly growing. Condyloma increases in size and causes concern not only for a man, but also for a partner – a woman.

Condyloma, the provoking factor in the formation of which is the HPV virus, is oncogenic in nature and can lead to the formation of malignant tumors, both in men and women.

How to treat warts

At Only Clinic, warts are treated with modern methods:

• laser coagulation
• electrocoagulation – removal of warts with electric current
• radio wave treatment
• medical therapy with creams and solutions
• immunostimulatory therapy

Which method of removal of genital warts in a man will be applied in each case depends on the collected anamnesis, tests and individual characteristics of the man’s state of health.

Warts removal at Only Clinic in Nizhny Novgorod is safe, professional and effective. It is necessary to remove warts from the genitals. Where to apply? Of course, at the Only Clinic! Call: +7 (831) 266-77-60

back to list

Specialists of the direction

about the specialist

Saidov Said Chamsulvaraevich

Doctor urologist-andrologist

Cost of services

Consultations

Diagnosis

Tests

Manipulation

Therapeutic prostate massage		500
Intimate Carboxytherapy Injection		2000
Bladder instillation		750
Circumcisio (circumcision)		16 000
Urethral instillation		550
Bladder catheterization		550
Infiltration anesthesia (blockade of the spermatic cord)		1000
Penile injection		450
Urethral polyp removal		3000
Frenulotomy		1600
Cystostomy drain replacement (excluding cost of catheter)		800
Removal of papillomas, warts (1 element) by radiosurgery in the genital area		900
Removal of papillomas, warts (1 zone 1 sq. cm) by radiosurgery in the genital area		2500

Complexes

Make an appointment

Related articles

Prostatitis or adenoma? Get checked out by a urologist and make sure it’s not cancer

BPH. Causes, symptoms, treatment

Erectile dysfunction is curable

Psoriasis. Symptoms and treatment

Female urology

causes, treatment, symptoms and diagnosis of disease

Papillomas are condylomas – limited papillary growths of the skin and mucous membranes of an inflammatory nature – with sharp tips, or pointed.

Genital papillomas do not differ in color from the surrounding tissues. On the foreskin, light genital warts appear on a thin stalk or flat, in the area of ​​the frenulum on the penis they can appear as small white pimples. Single formations can grow over time. When injured, they can bleed and become pigmented, changing shade from pinkish-beige to light and dark brown. On the surface, temporary formation of crusts and small scales is possible.

Reasons why papillomas are dangerous? Methods of treatment

In men, genital papillomas most often affect the foreskin and glans penis. At the same time, they can occur on the neck and body of the penis, on the scrotum, in the urethra and in the anus. Rarely enough, these neoplasms affect the area around the mouth and pharynx of a person who has had sexual intercourse with an infected partner.

Causes of

Genital papillomas are transmitted through sexual contact, whether oral, anal or vaginal, if the partner is infected. A prerequisite for the occurrence of this infection in the body is a microtrauma, most often invisible to the eye (crack, abrasion on the skin or mucous membranes). Another reason is the weakening of the immune system and the activation of the virus in its carrier.

Some strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause infection with genital papillomas. Usually the causative agents of the disease are HPV 6/11 species. One of the most obvious symptoms of HPV infection is genital papillomas.

Genital papillomas in men usually appear 1-3 months after sexual contact with an infected partner. In some cases, papillomavirus infection can be suppressed by human antiviral immunity within 1-2 years (if re-infection does not occur). In practice, such cases are an exception, and for the vast majority of patients it is not possible to remove papillomas on their own.

Danger of papillomas

Enlarged papillomas may:

• become injured and bleed;
• spread and grow rapidly;
• be reborn into malignant neoplasms;
• interfere with normal sexual activity;
• disturb from a cosmetic point of view;
• cause psychological discomfort.

Doctor’s opinion

Treatment of neoplasms

Treatment is carried out after a medical examination and consultation. If necessary, a biopsy and cytological analysis of their tissues is performed. The main principle of modern treatment of HPV infection is drug immunological therapy in combination with surgical intervention performed by a urological surgeon. Thus, the effect on the virus in the body is not only through immunotherapy, but also by the method of physical damage to papilloma cells by radio wave evaporation during the operation. If there are signs of neoplasm degeneration, part of the papilloma tissue must be sent for histology to make sure that there are no oncogenic cells.

Advantages of this treatment:

• high efficiency;
• painless;
• rapid tissue healing;
• bloodless operation;
• lack of sutures and eschar (rough burn surface).

Author of the article

Votyakov Evgeny Olegovich
Operating urologist, urologist-oncologist Work experience more than 22 years

Article published: 04.