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What are genital warts?

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. Almost all sexually active people will develop at least one type of HPV infection at some point in their lives, the virus that causes genital warts.

Genital warts can look like tiny, skin-colored bumps and have a cauliflower-like appearance. In many cases, warts are so small that they cannot be seen.

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

What are the symptoms of genital warts?

Women may notice genital warts on the vulva, the vaginal wall, the area between the thighs and genitals, the anus, the anal canal, and the cervix. As for men, genital warts may appear on the tip or shaft of the penis, scrotum, or anus.

Signs and symptoms of genital warts include:

• Small skin-colored, brown or pink warts in the genital area
• Several blisters formations that look like cauliflower
• Itching in the genital area
• Bleeding during sexual intercourse

You should see a doctor if you or your partner develop warts or blisters in the genital area.

What are the causes of genital warts?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is what causes warts. There are more than 40 strains of HPV that affect the genitals.

Genital warts are usually spread through sexual contact. Warts do not need to be visible to transmit the infection from or to your sexual partner.

What are the risk factors of genital warts?

• Unsafe sexual intercourse with multiple partners
• Having another sexually transmitted infection
• Having sex with a partner with an unknown sexual history
• Being sexually active at a young age
• Having a weakened immune system because of HIV or drugs given after organ transplant