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STD Information » Genital Warts (HPV)

Option 1  Genital Warts (HPV)

Quick Snapshot

  • Can it be cured?

    No
    Viruses don't have cures, but symptoms can be controlled with proper treatment

  • Type of Infection

    Viral
    Genital warts are caused by certain strains of HPV, the human papillomavirus

  • How is it treated?

    Medicine or Surgery
    There are a variety of treatment options including medications and surgery (freezing, burning, laser and physical removal).

 
  • Recovery Time

    1 to 4 weeks
    Recovery varies by type of treatment as well as size and location of the outbreak. Anywhere from 1-4 weeks should be expected.

  • Can I have sex?

    No
    Until the warts are gone, sexual activity should be avoided

  • Can I get re-infected?

    Yes
    As the base cause of genital warts is an incurable virus, you can have recurrence of genital warts without a new infection

 

Overview

Genital warts are an extremely common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by select strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts are almost always transmitted via sexual intercourse.

How is Genital Warts (HPV) diagnosed?

Genital warts are generally diagnosed with a visual exam. Your physician may apply a vinegar solution (acetic acid) to cause smaller warts turn white and making them more obvious.

How is Genital Warts (HPV) treated?

Though it is possible they will disappear on their own, there are a variety of ways to treat genital warts:

  • Medication (* Do not use while pregnant)
      » 0.5% podofilox solution*
      » 5% 5-fluorouracil cream*
      » 20% podophyllin antimitotic solution*
      » Imiquimod cream
      » Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
  • Freezing, Burning, Laser
  • Surgery
    Usually only used for large warts that are unresponsive to medications or other removal methods

Important note

Be sure to take all the medication your doctor prescribes, even if your symptoms go away!

 

Recovery Time

Recovery time from an outbreak of genital warts varies by the size and location of the warts as well as the treatment method used. For example:

  • Freezing takes about 1-3 weeks
  • Laser removal takes about 2-4 weeks
  • Physical surgery takes about 2-4 weeks

Sexual Activity

When warts are visible, all sexual activity should be avoided to prevent passing the disease in that manner.

Partners and Re-infection

Partners can be infected by both intercourse and skin-to-skin contact. When you are asymptomatic, consistent proper use of latex condoms is the best method of protecting your partner from contracting HPV.

Recurrence

Recurrences of genital warts are common and are seen most often in the three months directly following treatment. Between 20% and 50% of people will see recurrence of warts. However, as a patient goes longer without having a recurrence, their likelihood of developing warts again decreases.

Prevention

Symptoms

Genital Warts (HPV) Symptom Checker
Symptoms make take upto a month or longer to appear after infection.

Genital warts have a variety of appearances, as well as an array of places they could be located:

  • May be flat or raised
  • Small or large
  • Individually or clustered
  • Might have the typical "cauliflower" appearance of warts but may not
  • They are usually soft
  • Can form in or around:
    • Anus
    • Groin
    • Mouth (from oral sex)
    • Penis
    • Scrotum
    • Thigh
    • Vagina
    • Vulva

Transmission

Genital warts are most commonly transmitted through sex:

  • Anal Sex
  • Oral Sex
  • Vaginal Sex

There is also the possibility of transmission through close skin on skin contact (usually also related to sex).

Complications

The majority of complications from genital warts themselves occur in pregnant women. Warts may become larger during pregnancy. This can lead to difficulty urinating or delivering the baby. Additionally, the warts may be passed to the infant. If warts form in the baby's throat it can be life threatening as they can inhibit the ability to breathe.