Genital Warts Symptoms vary from person to person with some people not showing any external signs of the virus. Others may become infected but not show symptoms until many years or even decades later. The ability of the virus to remain undetected in this way is one of the main reasons for it’s proliferation.
The genital warts virus is a member of the Human Papillomavirus family and is also known as gential HPV. There are many strains or types of the HPV virus most of which cause no symptoms. Others can cause warts on the hands (common warts) or feet (known as plantar warts) whilst those that form in the anus, vagina or on the penis are referred to as genital warts. Other varieties of the virus are known to be responsible for causing cervical cancers.
Just because there are no visible signs of growths or skin problems does not mean that you are not infected. Millions of people are unaware that they have HPV because they are no visible growths. In this situation only a medical sampling of the skin will determine if the virus is present.
Those that do experience a genital warts outbreak will discover that genital warts are easily treated and in some situations the warts may disappear on their own. Although most of the time it’s unusual for one genital warts treatment to be enough and most infected people will suffer another outbreak.
Genital warts appear predominately in the area around the genitals and anus. In some rare instances genital warts can also grow inside the mouth and throat of those that have experienced oral contact with an infected partner. The virus is able to multiply quickly in these warm moist areas.
Common Genital Warts Symptoms
- Small, pink, flesh-colored or gray swellings in the genital and anal area
- Flat or slightly raised areas of skin with a cauliflower type texture
- Itching , burning sensation or discomfort in the genital area
- Bleeding or pain during intercourse
Genital warts can appear as single bumps or in clusters with some having a cauliflower structure. As they grow you may experience symptoms of itching, burning, swelling and bleeding especially in women.
Although genitals warts affect both men and women of all ages they are most prevalent amongst the 17-33 year age group.
Genital Warts Symptoms in Women
Genital warts symptoms for women normally occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the opening (cervix) to the womb (uterus), or around the anus.
Because some strains of HPV can lead to cervical cancer, women with genital warts should also be examined for possible HPV infection of the cervix. This is done by examining cells from the lining of the cervix and is normally referred to as cervical screening or a Pap (Papanicolaou) test.
Genital Warts Symptoms in Men
Genital warts Symptoms for men are less common. If present, they usually are seen on the tip of the penis. They also may be found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. In rare cases, genital warts can also develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected person.
If genital warts occur within the urethra it can, in severe cases, cause an obstruction and lead to some discomfort whilst urinating.
What should you do if you experience Genital Warts Symptoms?
If you believe that you have genital warts then you are advised to seek medical help as early as possible. It is important to start to treat genital warts whilst they are still small and are easily managed. A doctor or other health care worker can usually diagnose genital warts with a visual examination.
It is also advisable to refrain from sexual contact all together when an outbreak occurs so as to minimize the risk of infecting someone else. Condoms do offer some protection to genital warts but only to the areas that are covered such as the shaft and head of the penis. There is also the possibility that it may split during intercourse leaving you exposed.
It is important to not aggravate the warts by scratching or prodding them as they are extremely contagious. If you notice any Genital Warts Symptoms then you should consult with a practitioner or local health authority as early as possible.