Sex and Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus or HPV)

Warts are caused by viruses and can appear anywhere on the body. Those that show up in the genital area are caused by the human papillomavirus, commonly called HPV, and are easily transmitted by sexual contact.

HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in North America and certain forms of the virus can cause cervical and penile cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at least 50% of sexually active men and women will get a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.

After a person has been infected by HPV, it may take one to three months (or longer in some cases) for warts to appear. Some people who have been infected never get warts. If you think you have been infected, see your doctor, even if you cannot see warts.

What Do Genital Warts Look Like?

Genital warts look like small flesh-colored, pink or red growths in or around the sex organs. The warts may look similar to the small parts of a cauliflower or they may be very tiny and difficult to see. They often appear in clusters of three or four, and may grow and spread rapidly. They usually are not painful, although they may cause mild pain, bleeding, and itching.

Genital Wart Symptoms

Like many STDs, HPV does not always have visible symptoms. But when symptoms do occur, warts may be seen around the genital area. In women, warts can develop on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the cervix (the opening to the uterus), or around the anus. In men, they may be seen on the tip of the penis, the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. Genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected person.

Because there is no way to predict whether the warts will grow or disappear, people who suspect that they have been infected should be examined and treated, if necessary.

Genital Wart Testing

Your doctor may perform the following tests to check for genital warts and/or related STD's:

• An examination of visible growths to see if they look like genital warts.
• Application of a mild acetic acid (vinegar) solution to highlight less visible growths.
• A complete pelvic exam and Pap smear (for women).
• A specialized test for HPV, collected in a way similar to a Pap smear.
• Biopsy of cervical tissue to make sure there are no abnormal cells that could develop into HPV-related cervical cancer. A cervical biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the cervix and examining it under a microscope.
• Examination of the rectum.
• A fluid sample test for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
• A blood sample test for syphilis.

Tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are taken because STDs often occur together and share similar symptoms. Sometimes female patients are referred to a gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health) for further testing and biopsy.