Genital wart - Condyloma

Genital warts are one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections.

Nearly all sexually active people will become infected with at least one type of human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts, at some point during their lives.

Genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area.

They can look like small, flesh-colored bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance.

In many cases, the warts are too small to be visible.

Some strains of genital HPV can cause genital warts, while others can cause cancer. Vaccines can help protect against certain strains of HPV.

The signs and symptoms of genital warts include: small, flesh-colored, brown or pink swellings in your genital area, a cauliflower-like shape caused by several warts close together, itching or discomfort in your genital area.

Genital warts can be so small and flat as to be invisible.

Factors that increase your risk of becoming infected include:

Having unprotected sex with multiple partners

Having had another sexually transmitted infection

Having sex with a partner whose sexual history you don't know

Becoming sexually active at a young age

Having a compromised immune system, such as from HIV or drugs from an organ transplant.

Limiting the number of sexual partners and being vaccinated against HPV will help prevent you from getting genital warts.

Using a condom every time you have sex is a good idea, but won't necessarily protect you from genital warts.

Genital warts are diagnosed through visual examination.

Treatment can be with specific creams that your doctor can prescribe after examination or through minor surgery.

If you have been diagnosed with genital warts, your partner should be examined as well.