HPV is extremely common-in the United States, most sexually active people will get at least one strain of HPV during their lifetime (11). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States (6,2) and the world (5). People infected can still spread the virus even without any warts present. Genital warts are highly contagious, so even without penetrative sex, HPV can be spread from one person to another (5).Įven if a person does not have any visible genital warts, this does not necessarily mean that they are wart-free (8). This means that warts are usually spread through sex, including penis-in-vagina sex, anal sex, genital-to-genital contact, and oral sex. HPV is spread through contact with infected skin and mucous membranes (the soft moist skin present at the openings of your genitals and mouth). It can take months or even years from contracting HPV until wart symptoms actually present (8). If a person develops genital warts, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they got them from their most recent partner. Other times genital warts can also be present inside of the body, such as in the vagina, the cervix, the inner side of the labia, and inside of the anal canal (7,8,14). If someone suspects that they have genital warts, using a handheld mirror can be helpful to check difficult to see areas. External genital warts appear on people of all genders, such as on the vulva, labia, pubis, glans clitoris, entrance to the urethra, perineum (the area between the genitals and the anus), penis, scrotum, and around the entrance to the anus (7,8,14). Genital warts can be both external or internal. Sometimes they can be itchy, bleed, or make sex painful (14). Genital warts do not usually cause pain or discomfort. Other genital warts appear smooth and flat, and some are difficult to even see (7). Other types of genital warts look more like regular warts (a bump with thickened skin) and are usually on dry skin. They may resemble cauliflower, and are often found on moist areas around the genitals and anus, or inside the vagina and the cervix (14,7). They often appear in groups of 5–15 warts which are 1–5 mm (0.04–0.2 in) each in diameter (14). Warts are usually non-pigmented (meaning that they are the same color as the surrounding skin), but sometimes can present in many different colors, such as pink to red to brown, grey, and white (14). Genital warts can be small, large, singular, or in clumps. For those who do have symptoms, genital warts come in many shapes, sizes, and presentations. Often people who carry the strains have no symptoms (5). Not everyone who has been infected with these strains of HPV will have genital warts. Genital warts may also be known by other names such as genitoanal warts, anogenital warts, or condylomata acuminata. Two strains of HPV in particular-HPV 6 and HPV 11-are responsible for about 9 out of 10 cases of genital warts (8,9). Some strains can cause cancerous changes, while others cause no physical symptoms and resolve themselves (4,19). HPV is a very common virus with over 100 strains (5). Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Treatments include at-home topical medications or removal by a healthcare provider.Two strains of the human papillomavirus-HPV 6 and HPV 11-are responsible for most cases of genital warts.Some warts may be internal (like within the vagina or anus), while other people may carry the virus without showing symptoms Even if genital warts are not visible, it does not mean a person doesn’t have them.Genital warts can present in many shapes and sizes-from large lumpy plaques, to small singular bumps.
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